I join with other Senators in highlighting the importance of this House facilitating a comprehensive debate on the Lisbon treaty. Like other Senators, I am a member of the European Affairs committee which is in the process of finalising the stages of a first report examining all aspects of the treaty and reflecting the views of the groups that have come before the committee. If we are considering inviting some of these groups to address the Seanad directly I ask that we would consider inviting some of the people on the ‘No’ side to address us because it is important that we have a balanced debate and that we are seen to listen to all of the arguments being made about the treaty.  

Some Members mentioned inaccuracies. The best way to deal with inaccuracies being put around about the treaty is to confront them in a debate and correct them. I suggest that if we have a debate on the treaty we invite in both sides of the debate, hear all sides of the argument and have a balanced debate.   

ORDER OF BUSINESS • Wednesday 20 February 2008 

Filed under:
European Affairs, Order of Business, Seanad Speeches by Deirdre