Paudie Coffey (Fine Gael)

I, too, support calls for further debate on the Lisbon treaty. We are now on the run-in to the referendum and in the next few weeks there must be renewed focus on the treaty and its contents. We must encourage balanced and informed debate, not only in this House but everywhere else.

I, too, was disappointed to hear the Taoiseach engage in the blame game. He should focus on the ball rather than take his eye off it. In this regard I commend the National Forum on Europe on the role it has played in engaging the public in informed, balanced debate around the country, under the chairmanship of Maurice Hayes, a former Member of this House. I participated in a National Forum on Europe event with the youth of Ireland almost six months ago and I can assure Members that the youth of this country are well informed and interested in hearing what the future and the Lisbon treaty hold for them. I encourage renewed focus in the coming weeks on the Lisbon treaty. Let us have balanced debate and let the leader of the country give a balanced and objective view, rather than engage in the blame game.

The Leader of the House mentioned posters and I also noticed "No" campaign posters that did not mention the organisation behind them. I seek the Leader to clarify whether these posters are legal or illegal. I think they are illegal and should be taken down because they are sensationalist. Some claim the Lisbon treaty threatens our freedom and I feel that putting such information in the public domain is scandalous. These posters are misleading, grossly unfair and insulting to the intelligence of our citizens.