Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I listened with great interest to Senator Mooney's contribution. I agree entirely with him. He put the case cogently in favour of the Bill. Senator Cullinane made an eloquent Second Stage speech. On Second Stage I thought we teased out the issues. None of us is suggesting the treaty is utterly great or that it is a panacea. We are all realistic about it, as Senator Mooney has said. It is not helpful for those on either side to speak in overblown language on either sides. The approach on both sides must be measured. As others have said, David Begg's comments were measured. He made the point that he is not widely enthusiastic about the terms of the treaty but accepts the alternative - the instability and uncertainty and the message it sends to potential investors and others - is worse for working people. That is why, on balance, it appears he is taking an approach in favour, although we must wait and see what ICTU does.

The referendum, if passed in accordance with the Bill, would put into the Constitution the text that the State may ratify the treaty. It does not put the text of the treaty into the Constitution. That is an important point that has, perhaps, been overlooked in the debate. Others have asked the Minister about the text that will go to households along with the text of the treaty. I presume families will also see what they will be asked to vote upon on 31 May and will see the text of the amendment to the Constitution. It is important that people get advance notice. We have had referenda where people had only seen the text in the polling station. That is not helpful to ensuring people vote in an informed manner.

In response to a couple of the points made by Senator Cullinane, and without making another Second Stage speech because I spoke yesterday, there is not a simple left-right divide on the issue at EU level. The party of European socialists did not vote against the stability treaty but against some elements of the Stability and Growth Pact at an earlier stage. Ultimately, those who voted against the treaty included not only Sinn Féin but UK conservatives and the UK independence parties.