Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I sincerely concur with what the last speaker said. He has set a challenge to all of us to which I hope we can rise.

I have heard some of my colleagues talk about the possibility or otherwise of a referendum. Since 1973, when Ireland first entered what was then the EEC, there has been a straightforward approach whereby the Attorney General of the day examines each treaty dealing with Irish participation in the European Union. If the treaty requires constitutional change, a constitutional amendment is put to the people in a referendum. If it does not, there is no referendum. Let us wait and see what the Attorney General, an independent office-holder, decides and then we can respond. I am rather surprised that anybody would doubt the fact that the Attorney General is independent of the Government and will make the proper legal adjudication. Let us wait until then.