Paddy Burke (Fine Gael)

An economic argument cannot be made for voting "No" in this referendum. That is a non-starter. This country knows what it has gained from the European Union in the years since we joined. As the Minister and other speakers have said, this treaty is about the individual within the EU. We are privileged in this country to have a vote. Each and every one of us has the same right in ratifying this treaty.

The treaty is about enlarging the Union from 15 to 27 countries and increasing the population from 250 million to 500 million. The United States of America has only 250 million or 260 million and this new Europe has 500 million people. We will need every one of them to have the power and momentum to compete with other nations and continents, such as China, India or other heavily-populated areas that will be a big force in the years ahead.

We come from a nation of 4 million people. I recall Senator O'Reilly mentioned he remembers his area in a time before EU involvement and after, which I do myself. We had some very dark days and Europe has been particularly good to this country. Travelling around Europe one can see the hand of the European Parliament and the European Commission. There is no way we can vote against this treaty.

My party is having 34 public meetings around the country and we are campaigning for a "Yes" vote. Like Senator Leyden, I believe it important we have people like Sinn Féin who will put their case forward so we can get answers to questions. I am very much in favour of this treaty.

The Minister of State himself indicated on a number of occasions that this will lead to a very exciting Europe. Many nations and continents would like what we are going to have. Our Commission will not be elected but will be appointed by various Governments. Senator Alex White and I, as members of the EU scrutiny committee, met eight Commissioners recently in Europe. I could not believe the transparency evident in the European Commission and with each of the Commissioners. They were very open and frank about what they are doing and so forth.

I wish the Government and its Departments here were as open and transparent in their work. If they were, we would not need the Freedom of Information Act to the same level as is currently required. I would not be at all afraid of placing my full confidence in the European Commission.

This treaty will give the individual more rights also, as more power is being given to the European Parliament and there will be co-decision making between the Council and Parliament. There will be an openness in the Commission and there is a veto which can be operated by parliaments. Even this Parliament, including the Seanad, has a full veto in Europe. It is a major power to be able to use, indeed it is unbelievable power that this House, comprising 60 Members, will have a veto in Europe. We do not fully understand the power that we may really have. I am very excited about the new Europe and how it will go forward after this referendum has been passed.

We can see ourselves where major projects are taking place around the country which are co-funded by the European Union. It never seems to get any credit for any of the major funding it provides or for projects that have been put in place. There should be some mechanism where the European Union takes some credit and representatives should be present at the opening of some of the major projects.

All too often we criticise Europe. For example, there was an issue with water rates in schools, for which Europe was blamed. There was also a turf-cutting regulation for which Europe is being blamed and the cottage industry is also affected. With red tape, it is all too easy to blame Europe, not giving any credit for matters raised by several Senators, not least equality for women in work and incomes. Europe and its Commissioners should take more credit for its actions and involvement.

I am very much in favour of this treaty and do not see any problems with it. We are in a great position. As the Minister of State has indicated, it is a revolution within Europe and I am looking forward to a new Europe with more power to our Parliament and people.