Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I wish to talk about the Lisbon treaty as an advocate of a "Yes" vote. Like many others, I have spent considerable time coming to terms with the treaty and, on balance, believe it has much to offer Ireland. It is worth debating in the House. That said, there remains a lack of understanding and considerable confusion, which are feeding into a "No" vote. The Leader knows that if voters are in doubt, they sometimes vote "No". In this context, I was very disappointed to witness what I considered to be the unnecessary and unhelpful sidetracking by the Taoiseach to the effect that Fine Gael had not been campaigning vigorously for a "Yes" vote. It was the Government which was late out of the traps due to internal leadership problems. Some 91% of the people I surveyed in Galway just ten days ago felt the Government had not explained the treaty adequately. As a Member of the Oireachtas, I am asked on the doorsteps in Galway whether Fianna Fáil is engaged in any campaigning. I ask that we work together on the treaty. What is required is not bravado or coercion by the Taoiseach or the President of the European Commission, Mr. Barroso, but a calm, consistent presentation of the facts that will increase dramatically people's understanding of the treaty by 12 June to ensure the electorate will make an informed choice.

I certainly welcome the comment made yesterday by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, that the WTO is presenting an unbalanced and unacceptable deal for European agriculture. I call on the Leader to ask the Cabinet and the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food to step up their response another gear by providing a clear ruling that the Government will use its veto if an unacceptable deal for Ireland——