Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I thank Members for their contributions to this debate, which is hugely important in the context of our membership of the European Union and in terms of the future of this country during the next two decades. A number of diverse contributions were made. There appears to be a general sense among all Members of the importance of the role of national parliaments in terms of their relationship with the European Union legislative and decision-making process. I outlined in my opening remarks the significance of the Lisbon treaty for greater engagement by national parliaments, especially in terms of prior access to European Union legislative proposals and having the capacity to have an impact on them. Senator Fitzgerald made that point, as did Senator Ormonde in the context of the citizens' petition initiative where citizens can petition the institutions of concern to them.

I would like to rebut a number of points made. I was struck by Senator Doherty's contribution and the degree to which he sought to distort the facts. His remarks on the Lisbon treaty's voting rules show the difference in our world view. Senator Doherty sees the removal of vetoes as a having a negative effect on Ireland but I see it as a chance to prevent other countries from blocking our national interests. The Single Market was one of the most important things that happened to Ireland but for a long time it was stopped because of the need for unanimity. Invariably it is in our best interests when the veto is removed on many issues.