Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

——is an appropriate occasion on which to reflect on the importance of the democratic process, of confidence in representative structures and of the need for legitimate and respected fora in which grievances can be aired, contrasting policies debated and proper direction be given to the apparatus of the State. Ultimately, that can happen and succeed only through the will of the people and their confidence in those who represent them and in the institutional framework within which those representatives carry out their duties.

It is all too easy to forget the long struggle to create the political institutions in which we have the privilege to serve and which meet the test of public confidence and legitimacy. This is not to be taken for granted. On the contrary, we must be constantly attentive to ways of ensuring that our people understand and support the ways in which we do business on their behalf. It is for that reason, that I have been supportive of the reflections of this House on ways in which Seanad Éireann can play an even more active and strategic role in the public life of the State. In particular, I believe that the capacity of this House to engage with longer-term issues and deeper challenges than generally constitute the day-to-day business of the Lower House should be used to the full. I wish the House well in its continuing reflections on how its particular mission within the democratic process can evolve and develop in the years ahead.

The absence of democratic institutions which commanded the confidence and engagement of the population was at the heart of the devastating conflict in Northern Ireland, towards the resolution of which I have dedicated a large part of my period as Taoiseach. It was always my firm conviction that we could build a new relationship between the traditions on this island, and that we could move on in a new spirit of friendship, based on open dialogue and mutual respect.

I am glad to say that, in the past year, we have seen remarkable progress in Northern Ireland, in relations on this island and relations between these islands. This is taking a practical form through the important progress we are making in areas like transport and education, agriculture and the environment, tourism and energy. I have no doubt we can make an enduring resounding success of our all-island economy. We are committed to completing the devolution of policing and justice powers to the Northern Ireland Executive, as we continue to implement the St. Andrews Agreement in full.

I am also pleased that North-South co-operation is developing on a very practical level through the national development plan, including joint investment in strategic projects of mutual benefit to both jurisdictions. I am especially pleased that the Government is contributing €60 million to an exciting new joint innovation fund over the next four years.

At a political level, I was honoured last week to address the Oireachtas Joint Committee on the Implementation of the Good Friday Agreement. The establishment of the committee is an expression of the new political reality on this island. At that meeting, we had representatives from North and South engaging on a matter of significance for the whole island. It was regrettable but understandable that many Unionist representatives felt unable to attend. I hope that one day public representatives from all traditions will feel able to engage together on issues that affect us all. It is my belief that it makes eminent sense for all of us on this island to work together, for the benefit of all our people.

My confidence in the future is increased by events like the one to which I am looking forward on Tuesday, 6 May when together with the Northern Ireland First Minister, Dr. Paisley, I will officially open the site of the Battle of the Boyne. The opening of this new site and its impressive visitor centre will be a recognition of the significance of the battle in the history of Ireland and Europe. It is also a symbol of how far we have travelled and of our desire for reconciliation between the great traditions that share this island. Real and genuine reconciliation will enable all of us to move beyond the conflicts of the past and the legacy of history.

A more thoughtful approach to the history of conflict on this island leads us to realise that we can best understand our history in the context of wider issues and forces which operated across Europe. Long before we became one of the world's most open trading nations, we formed part of an international network. At all stages of our history, from early trading contacts, through waves of migration across Europe, and from the early monks who set forth to preach the gospel in Europe, to the network of Irish colleges which remain part of our European heritage, Ireland and her people have been an integral part of a wider European identity. Our membership of the European Community, and the development of the institutions and policies of the Union in the context of our shared values, are the modern expression of that identity.

On 13 December 2007, I signed the reform treaty in Lisbon. The treaty is designed to enable the European Union to manage 21st century challenges which, increasingly, are global in nature — such as climate change, energy demand, cross border crime and, of course, the global economy. At the same time, the treaty rationalises the European Union's institutional arrangements so that the Union can function in a fair, efficient and effective manner. It also brings into force the Charter of Fundamental Rights to reflect the Union's values and to underpin the rights of the individual across the Union.

An extensive information campaign is being conducted by the Government to ensure the public are well informed in advance of the referendum. It is clearly desirable that the maximum possible number of citizens are encouraged to cast their vote. I regret that so far, part of the public debate on the reform treaty has been based on issues which are not related to the text in any credible way. An international treaty of this kind is inevitably a rather complex document but the substance to which it gives rise is clear and easily understood. I regret that some have sought to use the necessary complexity of form and language to camouflage their true feelings about Europe and the European Union, or otherwise to create mischief.

I welcome the efforts being made by the National Forum on Europe, by the political parties and by other concerned groups to ensure that the true facts are made known. I acknowledge there can be legitimate differences about policy and institutional matters affecting Europe. However, we must ensure these differences are grounded in reality and fully respect the right of the people to have accurate information and arguments put before them before they exercise their solemn duty under the Constitution. I have no doubt that the Referendum Commission will be highly professional in its mission to encourage the maximum possible number of voters to participate on the day of the referendum.

My advice to the Irish people is to maintain a clear focus on the core question of our relationship with Europe. The record since our accession is very clear; whenever we have associated ourselves with the evolution of the European project, it has worked to our benefit both economically and socially. Our European identity, apart from being rooted in history, has also been a critical element in shaping the context within which peace and reconciliation on this island have been developing since the wider European context and the Union's engagement with countries, regions and communities has enabled us all to rethink issues that are so important to us. Ratification of the treaty will therefore provide a solemn basis for the continuation of that positive European engagement for Ireland, while enabling Europe as a Union to serve its citizens more effectively in the important and urgent areas where they look for effective support and leadership.

I have never seen any conflict or even tension between my sense of being an Irish Nationalist in the republican tradition while at the same time being a European citizen. On the contrary, I have seen the effective sovereignty of our country enhanced and deepened by our participation in Europe.

In the same way as it has benefited relations on this island, European membership and the European context have also benefited the development of a more mature and friendly engagement with our nearest neighbours. The European social model is a distinct contribution to political and social life. By contrast with the prevailing philosophy in other parts of the globe, it is a model of which we can be proud and to which we have contributed our own distinctive experience. The appropriate balance between national self-determination and collective action through pooling of sovereign authority is not just a matter of rules of subsidiarity, it is also a matter of mutual respect between the national and the European levels. The enhanced role for national parliaments provided for in the reform treaty is an important expression of that respect.

It is with the concept of respect that I wish to conclude my remarks. My respect is not just for this House as an institution but for the work which Senators undertake for the common good. I respect in particular the seriousness of purpose with which Members of this House go about their business as law makers. This is true both of those large personalities who are national figures with a deserved public profile, as well as of those whose reputations are centred on this building for the care and expertise which they bring to their work. I thank you, a Chathaoirligh, and all of the Members for the kindness and courtesy which you have shown to me in all my visits to this House over a long number of years. I wish you all well for the future.