Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

I endorse Senator Mark Daly's proposal of last week in regard to Article 27 of the Constitution. I note the Technical Group has jumped on that band wagon today. However, it is important to credit Senator Daly with that proposal.

I speak as someone who, contrary to what Senator Colm Burke said, actively canvassed for a "Yes" vote in every European referendum, including before I became involved in politics. I believe in a European Union that looks to the European and national interest.

My principal difficulty with the current treaty is that it will be other countries rather than the European Commission who will tell us whether we did right or wrong. Under this treaty Ireland could be sued by Germany, Slovenia and so on if we do wrong. As such, we have moved away from the European Union which I have always supported, the European Union which Fianna Fáil led the way in supporting. Contrary to what Senator Burke had to say, Fianna Fáil, put vast resources into supporting European referenda. Fianna Fáil has a proud record of supporting the European Union.

I am totally opposed to intergovernmentalism and to the idea of Germany, Slovenia or any other European country bringing us to court in respect of breaches of European law in terms of our deficit and telling us we should spend less and tax our people more. That is completely wrong. While this treaty deals with finances, who is to say that this different model of Europe will not continue into other areas. This treaty proves that the veto is meaningless. It is not about the right to remain outside something rather it is about stopping its introduction on a European basis. The British and Czechs have vetoed this treaty. If we value the European Union we should oppose this and go back to the drawing board to try to bring in Britain and the Czech Republic. Not enough was done to bring those countries on board. They should be on board. This is a European community not a community of countries.