DAIL DEBATES


TWENTY FOURTH AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION BILL 2001(Second stage)

Mr. Kelleher: I welcome this timely debate and I reject the criticism
by some parties that the referendum should be delayed to allow for further
debate. I believe we need a nice, sharp and concise debate to stimulate
passion and thought. We need again to invoke a belief in the electorate
that Europe is good for Ireland and good for Europe. As we look at the
positive aspects of the Nice Treaty negotiated very successfully by this
Government and in particular by the Minister present, we must address the
underlying factors as to why we are moving forward with enlargement in
Europe.
For many years we very much benefited very much from being involved in
Europe. It is now time to look forward and embrace other nations who are
looking to Europe for economic, social and legal stability. They need to
be given a sense of purpose within a new Europe. We do not have to go
back too far to remember the dark days of the Second World War and the
misery it visited on the people of Europe. The Irish people also suffered
at that time. It is now time for Ireland to stand up and support this
treaty in an overwhelming manner and ensure that we send out a strong
message to those who would undermine the EU,

Section to follow:
18:40
2 May 2001
Text:
(Mr. Kelleher continuing)
both from within and outside the European Union. It is timely for those
who oppose the treaty to explain exactly their reasons for doing do.
Parliamentarians from the applicant countries will outline rapidly their
support for the measures in the Nice Treaty and they are anxiously waiting
to enter an enlarged Europe. It is wrong of various groups, the small
parties and other outside interests to try to undermine support for an
enlarged Europe. Some Members said capitalism undermines the structures
of Europe. The fact of the matter is that the countries which suffer most
from international capitalism are the applicant countries, the countries
that do not have the protection of a large European market, access to the
markets and the economic security that that affords. They should point
out exactly the reasons for opposing it.
Another issue that will have to be addressed as we approach referenda in
the future is the McKenna judgment. I genuinely believe it undermines the
parliament, it stifles political debate and undermines the basic tenet of
democracy which elects a Government. It should be in a position to
support, with public funds, referenda recommended to the Irish people. It
is disingenuous to say the Government is not supporting this measure when
it has one arm tied behind its back because of the McKenna judgment. This
judgment must be visited because------

Mr. Gormley: The Government supports------

Mr. Kelleher: -----real debate is stifled. I wish all parties the best
of luck in supporting this referendum.