Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

It is not rocket science. I cannot understand why anybody would advocate a "No" vote. It is obvious. People talk about getting money from the IMF; they even hope to get money from the Chinese. There is nothing but stability as a result of voting "Yes" to the treaty. It guarantees a source of funding for the future. It provides stability, which is what we want. I hope this debate will not be muddied by intra-political debates or rows between parties.

The Government should be very conscious about how it approaches this referendum. Making threats will not work. The Fianna Fáil Party has supported every treaty. It brought Ireland, with the help of the Irish people, into the European Union in the 1970s and we will continue to support the development of the European Union. Let there be no doubt about where we stand on this issue.

I support and commend the point made by Senator Norris regarding the proposed Chinese hub in Athlone, County Westmeath. It is a marvellous development. I compliment all involved, including the director, John Tiernan. I also compliment the former Taoiseach, former Deputy Brian Cowen, who was very much involved in this issue, and the president of the Athlone Institute of Technology. They all played a very important role in this regard. In fact, a former Minister, former Deputy Mary O'Rourke, was one of the first people to be involved with the idea being promoted in the Government. It had the full support of the last Fianna Fáil Government.