Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

A Government Senator asked to which side Sinn Féin is now aligned. I am glad to say that Sinn Féin is aligned to the majority of people who came out on Thursday to cast their votes and to the people of France and Holland. The overwhelming majority of people across the European Union, as shown in opinion polls, would have voted in the same way. The people have spoken. The Lisbon treaty is over. This is not a crisis as suggested by many in this House. This Lisbon treaty was put to the democratic test in Ireland and it has been rejected. Those are the facts before us. It has not just been rejected here. The same formula has been rejected by the people of Europe. It has been put on five occasions and on three different occasions it has been rejected, in France, Holland and now here in Ireland.

What should we do now? I am not interested in the blame game between those on the "Yes" side or the lies that have been told. What is the challenge ahead of us? The answer is as obvious as the nose on one's face. The Government must use its strong mandate, provided by the people, to renegotiate this treaty. It needs to view the result as an opportunity to get back around the table with our EU partners and secure a better deal for all the people of Europe. It is not acceptable for EU leaders to seek ways of avoiding or circumventing the democratically expressed wishes of the people. The ratification process must end just as it did following the rejection of the EU constitution.

The people must be listened to. Throughout the referendum campaign a number of key issues arose repeatedly — Ireland's loss of power in Europe, EU militarisation, workers' rights and public services, and the treaty's impact on the developing world. These issues need to be addressed. It is now the responsibility of Government, and particularly of the Taoiseach, to listen to the people and commit to the task of securing a better deal. These are very practical and reasonable demands, which can, despite the hoopla and palaver be delivered.

I interrupted the previous Fianna Fáil Senator who was talking nonsense. Sinn Féin is committed to constructively engaging in this process. Today we are submitting a detailed written proposal to the Government, which we believe would address these concerns in a new treaty. We will also meet the trade union movement, farmers, business and civic society to encourage them to use their influence to ensure the Government secures a deal that best reflects their needs now and into the future.

Any new deal must address the much talked of EU democratic deficit. It must fundamentally secure Ireland's neutrality and protect workers' rights and public services. Time and time again the same sensible rational concerns emerged on the doorstep, local media and from interest groups. The retention of a permanent Commissioner, our current voting strength at the European Council and key strategic vetoes such as on the outcome of international trade talks, were regularly outlined throughout the campaign.

We also need to see the removal of the controversial self-amending articles. We need a specific protocol in the treaty protecting neutrality and opt-outs from other aspects of an emerging EU common foreign and security policy such as an end to taxpayers' money being diverted to the European Defence Agency or being used for any EU military purposes. We also need a protocol to opt out of the EURATOM treaty. Explicit amendments are required to ensure greater protection of workers' rights and to stop the opening up of vital public services to competition. We also need measures to strengthen the social content of the EU project in order to balance the need for economic competitiveness with social cohesion and sustainable development.

Another deal is possible for Ireland and the EU but only if the Government steps up to the plate by acting in accordance with the outcome of the referendum. There are already concerns about the Government's approach given its total opposition to the loudly voiced wishes of the people on this issue. Again I repeat the Lisbon treaty is finished, as it needs the support of all 27 member states in order for it to come into effect. It cannot be reheated and put to the people again. If the Government is serious in its commitment to listen to the people and to uphold democracy then it must secure a better treaty for Ireland and Europe.