Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

This was meant to be a European treaty and Britain and the Czech Republic have vetoed it. When we go forward for another referendum and when we may have the opportunity to use a veto, we have now proven that the veto is worthless, that it makes no difference. This treaty should not have gone ahead, considering Britain wished to veto it. We have come to know and understand Europe and we have defended it over many years. Ireland had a veto on many national interests but where now does our veto stand on the issue of corporation tax or on abortion. We have to face this reality. The fact that this is outside the structures of the European Union will lead to difficulties in the future. We would have been far better off to try to undertake further negotiation with Britain and the Czech Republic to bring them on board. Britain is not even a member of the eurozone and it was not required to comply with many of the provisions unless it wished to. Will the Minister clarify the treaty obligations of member states that are not members of the euro? A greater effort might have been made to persuade them, particularly Britain, to come on board, perhaps by affording some type of opt-out but still keeping it within European structures. The Commission has been the protector and promoter of small countries by ensuring a level playing field in Europe. However, that is lost in the treaty, which is a pity.

The reality for a country of Ireland's size is that to reject the treaty would be an act of political madness. We would be telling the other 24 member states which have signed up that we do not want to be part of the new system. One can only imagine the reaction to this and it is a prospect we all must consider. My party leader and his Front Bench were very forthright in seeking a referendum on the treaty, while at the same time offering wholehearted support for its provisions. I, too, support the treaty, although not wholeheartedly. My support is based on a consideration of the pros and cons and the benefits for the people. Nevertheless, my view is that we should seek improvements further down the line and work to keep all of these issues within European Union structures in order that our interests will be protected as far as possible.