Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I welcome the Minister of State to the House and thank him for his passionate contribution in discussing this important report. I also acknowledge the work that Deputy Perry and others members of his joint committee undertook in producing the document under consideration by the House. I also recognise the valuable work being done in this area by the Joint Committee on European Affairs, of which I am a member together with Senator Leyden.

One writer recently observed that the dilemma we face is that at national level we have politics without policy, while at European level we have policy without politics. That might be overstating the matter but there is a truth in there which, as politicians, is it incumbent upon us to acknowledge — that is, that nationally more and more important decisions we face are being driven by decisions taken in the European Parliament and elsewhere. However, the passion and politics that should be present in debates in the European Parliament and European Commission, where crucial decisions are being made which influence our country and its citizens, are absent.

The level of engagement by the public in understanding how important decisions are made is not present. That is one of the major reasons why a degree of disenchantment with the European project has gradually been seeping in. It is why the report by the joint committee on the treaty is so valuable. In seeking to persuade people in my constituency, I have made two arguments that are enormously potent in convincing them of the value of the treaty. First, it is a fact that if this treaty is passed, the role and power of national parliaments will expand. Second, why would any Member of the Oireachtas, in which we are so proud to serve, seek support for a treaty that would reduce the power and influence we are so lucky to wield? Both those points are essential in showing why the treaty is so important to our destiny and prosperity. It is essential we put those points across in the last few days of this treaty debate to convince the electorate that it is in our interests as a parliament that the treaty be passed. More importantly, it is in the interests of the people that it be passed.

The report clearly outlines why this treaty will deliver such important elements. The treaty explicitly spells out the parliamentary competence of the Oireachtas and of other European institutions. By and large the issue of competency has been positive. The European project started off as the European coal and steel community and it gradually expanded. This has been a positive trend. Recently, however, a degree of competence spread by stealth has occurred, resulting in a reduction in the faith our citizens have in these institutions. The treaty clearly crystallises who does what and the joint committee' s report comments positively on this aspect. We must send out this message to the electorate as it seeks to make a decision on the matter.

Another important element of the treaty is that it recognises that the various institutions will play different roles. We are trying to bring a degree of architectural co-ordination to ensure that the work of the European Parliament, the European Commission and the Oireachtas will head in the same direction. It is self evident as to why this is so important. It is great that EU parliaments will be getting more power and that their role will be recognised by this treaty. We cannot be complacent, however, and say that this in itself is a good thing. It is far more important that the people we serve see the development of our parliamentary role and power as a good development.

As we debate the treaty and, I hope, prepare to vote "Yes" in the referendum next Thursday, we must acknowledge the considerable work which remains to be done by the Oireachtas to ensure we can deliver the important responsibilities being conferred on us. As truthful as I am in recognising the importance of the treaty for the prosperity of our people and the power of our Parliament, we also need to acknowledge that the additional responsibility which will be conferred on us will require us to order our business differently. It would be a major disappointment for Members and citizens if the Oireachtas were to fail to discharge this new power in a manner that does credit to the electorate.

As one writer recently stated, the European Union is a response to our heritage and history but can never be a substitute for either. To ensure it does not become such a substitute we must reintroduce passion into political decision-making at European and national levels. The Lisbon treaty will play and important role in ensuring this change occurs. The argument which will make a difference in the final stage of the debate on the treaty is that this institution, in which Members are so fortunate to serve, will secure greater powers. It is, therefore, our duty to ensure we use these powers to serve people to the best of our ability. I hope the debate on the referendum on the Lisbon treaty will play an important role in allowing us to fulfil this duty.