Ann Ormonde (Fianna Fail)

I welcome the Minister of State and acknowledge and recognise the Trojan work he has undertaken in this campaign over the past number of months. I acknowledge his commitment and dedication to ensuring we will achieve a resounding "Yes" vote. I pay tribute to the Minister of State because he has always made himself available to all of us when we are out on the hustings trying to get our message across. He has always been available to help us along the way.

I am also pleased to speak on this issue. The European Union contributes to the preservation of the development of common values while respecting the diversity of the cultures and traditions of the people of Europe, as well as the national identities of the member states and the organisations of their public authorities at national, regional and local levels. The Union seeks to ensure free movement of persons, services, goods and capital. It is necessary to strengthen the protection of fundamental rights in light of the changes in society, social progress and technological developments, by making those rights more visible in the charter. Enjoyment of these rights also implies responsibilities and duties with regard to other persons, to the Community and to future generations. This treaty gives legal status to the Charter of Fundamental Rights. The charter is significant in moving towards a more citizen-friendly Europe. The European Union now places the individual at the heart of activities.

The charter consists of 54 articles and is divided into seven sections. I will not speak about all 54 articles because we would be here until doomsday. The most important sections are those dealing with dignity, freedom, equality, solidarity, citizens rights and justice. I refer to provisions for the prohibition of torture, respect for private and family life, the right to a remedy if one's rights are violated and the right to a fair trial. Citizens' rights include the right to vote. The charter will be legally binding on the institutions, on any offices, on the agencies representing the institutions. There is an obligation on all member states to provide appropriate judicial means to ensure effective protection of these rights and the right to effective remedy.

The charter includes certain economic and social rights. It recognises workers' rights, the right to information and to consultation, the right to collective bargaining and action. It protects workers against unjustified dismissal and protects the social rights such as workplace rights as well as the traditional civil, political and citizen rights.

I have listened to the distorted views expressed by the "No" campaign about abortion and the claim that the charter will interfere with our laws on abortion. Article 46.2 of the Constitution provides that a referendum is necessary before any amendment is made to the Constitution. This is my answer and I wish to make it as clear as possible. Anything to do with abortion has to go back to the national Parliament and to our Constitution. I have listened to Libertas saying that this charter may have implications such as the internment of children of three years of age. I cannot see the reasoning behind this argument. I do not believe anybody in their sane senses will bring up this argument on the doorsteps because it does not make sense. I have not met this yet at any door and I would be pleased to confront it if I did.

The Minister of State has made a clear statement. The Government has endorsed the charter. It is a progressive step for the Union. We must vote "Yes" in order to reaffirm our rights, to reaffirm our status in Europe. I have no doubt that the "Yes" vote will be carried clearly on 12 June. We must reaffirm our position. We are a model for Europe, but I do not want to find us being isolated and made to feel inferior should we decide to rebuff this treaty.