Treaty will strengthen union - Roche

The European Reform Treaty is vital to Europe's future development and will strengthen the democratic character of the union, Minister for European Affairs Dick Roche has said.

Speaking in the Dáil during a debate on the treaty, Mr Roche said it would bring an end to the "lengthy debate" on reform of EU institutions.

Mr Roche said the treaty will also give legal status to the Charter of Fundamental Rights for the first time and "will better equip the member states of the union through the changes which are being introduced on Justice and Home Affairs to combat international crime".

Mr Roche said he was particularly happy with the political declaration being made by Ireland.

"This highlights our intention to participate in European efforts to combat cross-border crime to the maximum extent," he said.

"This, allied to our strong endorsement of the Charter on Fundamental Rights, sends an important political signal to our European partners," Mr Roche said.

"In the course of next year, the Irish people will have an opportunity during a referendum to pass judgement on this treaty and on the evolution of European integration.

"As a small member state we will have the opportunity once again to take a decision that will have a fundamental and positive impact on the European Union that has served us so well As public representatives, there is a responsibility on us to do all in our power to conduct a well-informed and productive debate that facilitates proper public engagement with the issues that will need to be decided by the Irish people."

Speaking in the same debate, Labour Party spokesman on Europe, Joe Costello, said the Reform Treaty is an important statement of policies and principles for the future of the European Union and for the operation of its institutions.

"It seeks to enhance the union's capacity to counter cross-border crime, particularly, in terms of drugs, money laundering and trafficking in people and terrorism. It seeks to strengthen the union's capacity to promote employment, innovation and social cohesion and it looks specifically to future challenges and opportunities," he said.

"It establishes ambitious global objectives. It provides for joint policies to seek to end global warming and tackle climate change, this I understand a specific initiative from Ireland.

"It establishes broadly based policies to end global poverty. It seeks to strengthen the union's contribution to international peace, stability and crisis management. It would be a shame if the Government's distain for the democratic process were to cause it to be rejected," Mr Costello added.