EU Summit
Mr. Gormley: The purpose of the summit was to try to deal with the impasse that continues in the European Union following the rejection by the Dutch and French of the European constitution. It seems that we will muddle along on the basis of this summit. I have not seen any concrete proposals emerging simply because countries have different points of view. The British believe the constitution is dead and do not want to know about it. They were never enthusiastic about it anyway. The French do not want to say too much because their people have rejected it and domestically it would not look good to suggest holding another referendum, as it would not be acceptable to the French people. The Dutch are in a similar situation which leaves the Germans under Angela Merkel, who want to resuscitate the constitution and who are its main drivers.
In the meantime we have all this talk about the European citizen. Not only is the European citizen being ignored, but those of us who have been elected are also being ignored. Many of the items contained in the European constitution such as the arms agency and the extension of the Petersberg Tasks are being introduced in any case without any debate in this Parliament or elsewhere in the European Union. So much for democracy and the citizen.
The Laeken declaration suggested bringing Europe closer to the people and we now have the new idea of a citizen’s agenda for Europe. If we are serious about empowering the people, words are all very fine, but they need to be matched by some sort of action. I agree with the proposal of Chancellor Wolfgang Schüssel to hold a pan-European referendum at the end of the process. I made such a proposal to the convention. However, before we can proceed with such a referendum, we need a new convention. I have made this suggestion and many NGOs throughout Europe have made a similar suggestion, which is constructive. I have not heard any better suggestion coming from the European leaders. We need a new European convention to sit for a defined period of perhaps three months, have real terms of reference and be required to come back with a result. The result would probably entail leaving out Part 3 of the constitution, which has caused considerable annoyance and is very difficult for many citizens to come to grips with.
However, this suggestion is not being taken up, particularly by the Government, which wants to proceed. However, how are we to proceed? Are we just to pretend that the Dutch and French have not rejected it? Are we to hand it back to them? Are we going to try to get it through by parliamentary means and not have another referendum? That will not do, as it would show contempt for the democratic process. I suggest trying to enhance the democratic process. There are many ways in which such a referendum could work. It could be required to have dual majority and clearly the countries that might reject it in those circumstances would need to reconsider how they want to approach the European project. It is a sensible suggestion and I ask the Minister of State to respond to it today.
Clearly in some incidences, such as dealing with energy and climate change, we need greater integration within Europe. Yesterday, Dr. Eddie O’Connor addressed a European Parliament committee about the need for an integrated approach. However, the problem is that individual member states will claim they want to maintain their independence in the sector. This simply will not work particularly when we are trying to deal with the problem of climate change and global warming. We need more integrated action in this regard.
I have tried to get my hands on the Presidency report on the European security and defence policy, but have been unable to find it. Given that we will be holding a debate next week on EU battle groups, I would like the Minister of State to comment on the fact that the UK’s biggest helicopter and marine commando carrier, HMS Ocean, will be docked in Dublin Port later this month.
Aengus Ó Snodaigh: In the Deputy’s constituency.
Mr. Gormley: It may be in my constituency or may be just across the way. Can the Minister of State confirm that the ship was deployed as part of the British task force that supported the US invasion of Iraq, carrying 300 royal marines and 400 aircrew during Operation Telic? The Minister of State has spoken about the citizen. I wonder how many Irish citizens know about the arrival of this British warship in our waters. While the Minister of State talks about empowering the citizen and giving information, the citizen is not part of the equation.
(later)
Mr. Gormley: Given the Minister’s enthusiasm to continue the ratification process, will there be a referendum on this question? The Minister of State can contribute to reaching the magic figure of 20 by doing so.
I raised the question of Britain docking one of its warships in Dublin. It is the biggest helicopter and marine commander carrier, called the HMS Ocean and will dock in Dublin later this month. It will promote British beer, of all things. Does the Minister of State agree that this alienates the Irish citizen from the European project?
Mr. Treacy: There is no doubt about the future of the leadership of the EU. The European Council decided on a two track approach of reflection and action. The way forward is not yet clear but matters will become clear by the middle of next year. Last week the European Council gave a mandate for extensive consultation before a report to next June’s summit. There is commitment to reach necessary decisions on the process by 2008. The focus will be on concrete issues and challenges. The Council identified key areas, including fighting crime and terrorism, facing challenges of energy and climate change and promoting economic growth and job creation. These are critically important for Ireland and the EU. Ireland remains committed to the ratification of the EU constitution. Following the decision of the European Council in June to initiate a period of reflection it was decided that no date for the referendum would be set until matters became clearer.
Mr. Costello: Like Augustine, not just yet.
Mr. Treacy: In a democracy a period of reflection is advantageous to parliamentarians, who can promote the constitution, and citizens, who can receive more information through the National Forum on Europe. It is important that we embrace this together. There is no point in holding a referendum if conditions are not right for a positive outcome. The past 12 months have not been spent on analysis. The financial perspectives were agreed last December, allocating resources for the next seven years. This provides sustainability, stability and clarity for the future. The EU continues to function effectively and is focussed on delivery to its citizens. The controversial services directive has been agreed. It is a credit to Commissioner McCreevy that he could make the necessary changes.
Mr. Costello: He responded to Deputies.
Mr. Treacy: The European Union is at one on the Middle East. Democracy is critical but the rejection of violence is also critical.
Mr. Costello: Has the US or Israel been asked about the use of violence?
Mr. Treacy: The EU wants the new Government led by Hamas to make a de facto statement that it condemned violence and would not use it for political means. The EU has decided that funding of €224 million is available to support the Palestinian people. Higher Representative Javier Solana, the presidency, the Troika and senior officials of the Commission, including President Barroso, every effort has been made to channel cash to the people for education, welfare and health services. The EU has made every effort to ensure this happens. We want democracy to prevail.
I have not been invited to see this wonderful ship, the HMS Ocean, but I hope Deputy Gormley will represent me and his constituents.
Mr. Durkan: The pocket battleship.
Mr. Treacy: Ireland is an island nation and cannot operate in isolation. No man is an island.
Mr. Durkan: Sounds like John Donne.
Mr. Treacy: We have bilateral and multilateral arrangements where each nation’s ships can visit the other nations’ ports. In the modern world and in a country that believes in transparency, what is wrong that we see these ships at first hand? What is there to hide?
Mr. Gormley: It is a warship that was in Iraq.
Mr. Treacy: What are we afraid of and why can we not examine and make comparisons with our vessels to see if we are going in the right direction?
Mr. Gormley: This is an endorsement.
Mr. Treacy: We are not endorsing anything. We cannot put a sign on the side of the country that no tourists are welcome, no bilateral arrangements are welcome, and have—–
Mr. Gormley: No warmongers.
Mr. Treacy: —–no opportunity to engage with the world. We must engage in every way possible to promote our country. We must have the same warmth of welcome as our people receive across the world. This is protocol across the world with all defence ships. I hope Deputy Gormley enjoys the visit. I wish I could be there.
Mr. Costello: Plenty beer on board.