Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I join with my colleagues in welcoming the decision by the Government to hold a referendum on the EU fiscal treaty. This is a decision by the Government to allow the democratic process to take place fully and to allow the people to vote on our future relationship with the European Union.

Since 1973, as a result of our involvement with the European Union, our country has been transformed. There have been tough times and bad days, but the overall picture is that Ireland has benefited enormously from its involvement in the European Union.

At some stage over the next number of weeks or months, the Irish people have an opportunity to make a firm statement about our involvement with and within the European Union. There must be a positive engaging debate. It is always said about a referendum in this country that people never answer the question asked, but on this occasion there is a duty on all politicians, not only those of us on the Government side of this House but those of all political persuasions, to engage in the debate, explain the issues to the people and allow the democratic process to take place. I am confident the Irish people, once they engage in the debate and listen to the argument, will decide that our future lies strongly and firmly within the European Union and playing a full role, not as a peripheral, second division country on the edge of the European Union. We must be at the heart of the decision-making process in the European Union. It is imperative that we vote in that direction by voting "Yes", but first I look forward to a strong, engaging debate.

Many of my colleagues in this House, particularly on the other side, sought such a referendum. There is the phrase, "Be careful what you wish for because you might be offered it." We are now offering the referendum not only to our party but to all parties. It will be a test of our political maturity. This is not a party political referendum. This is a referendum for Ireland, about Ireland and about our place in Europe. I certainly look forward to this House, in particular, playing a leading reflective part in the campaign.