Speeches:

On the EU Reform Treaty, 16th October 2007

There is space to have many different voices, not only within Europe but also in the debate on Europe within my own party. We are happy to debate and to decide our policy. We will be having that important debate in the coming months.

"Together with many members of the Green Party I consider myself to be a proud European and a proud Irish person. I am a friend of Europe and believe that Europe has been a friend to Ireland since we joined the European Economic Community in 1973. We recognise, however, that good friends know when to criticise and when to hold a friend to account. We have had our difficulties and differences with European policy. We are proud of our record of calling the European Union to account. It is always important for a small nation to ensure that its voice is heard.
 

Europe has been good for democracy and for the environment in Ireland. I disagree with Deputy Kenny's reference to an opt-out on some nebulous futuristic prospect of unforeseen circumstances. The opt-out is strongly felt and is epitomised by the differences between Napoleonic law and common law. Several speakers alluded to jury trial, lengthy detention periods and habeas corpus, important issues on which to draw a line in the sand. Some may describe this as an à la carte approach but if one chooses the prix fixe menu one is in real danger of losing out on issues held dear by states such as ours.

The lower house would be elected on a proportionate basis from the member states but not as in the American Senate each country might also have two members in an upper house. This would ensure that the voices of small nations would not be lost and might have a power of veto over future policy. Those are issues to discuss another day.
We welcome debate and discussion within our party and disagreement is allowed. Unlike other parties we do not have a strong tradition of una voce uno duce, and I do not refer exclusively to parties on this side of the House. Nor do we subscribe to the "E Pluribus Unum - From Many, One" view of Europe. There certainly is space to have many different voices, not only within Europe but also in the debate on Europe within my own party. We are happy to debate and to decide our policy. We will be having that important debate before the end of the year.

The Charter of Fundamental Rights is very important to us. Unlike in the UK, we feel that making it legally binding is a very positive aspect of the treaty. From my own experience of Europe, travelling through countries like Croatia and Montenegro, I see the EU as a very positive force. Through my occasional work with TACIS, the Technical Assistance to the Commonwealth of Independent States, I have seen a positive role for the European Union over the last ten years. As we face the important challenge of climate change, the European Union is a leader on the world stage. My own view is to support the treaty, subject to looking at the final draft that may be approved this weekend."