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 Senator Mark Daly:       I ask the Leader to organise a debate on the forthcoming European Union treaty and the proposals that will be made in the coming days to Ireland and other member states. It beggars belief that the interdepartmental group has not met and that Ireland has not formulated a position on the issue. It appears all we will be doing when we enter the negotiations is accepting what is put in front of us. The Government appears to be shying away from the idea of holding a referendum. This is the most serious treaty to be put before the people since the foundation of the State. When we are handing over sovereignty-----

An Cathaoirleach:       Does the Senator have a question for the Leader.

Senator Mark Daly:       -----and responsibility for the running of the fiscal affairs of the country to the European Union, it is important that the people have their say. There is a provision in the Constitution, Article 27, whereby a majority of the Seanad, with the support of one third of the Dáil, can petition the President to ask for a referendum. I hope that democracy will prevail and my colleagues opposite, whatever their position on the proposals being put before us, will support the right of the people to have their say.

Tomorrow in the White House former Congressman Mr. Bruce Morrison and the Irish Lobby for Immigration Reform representative Mr. Ciaran Staunton will meet staff to seek their support for a new visa bill to be introduced by Senator Schumer to get 10,500 visas issued for Irish people, some of whom are currently undocumented in the US. I ask the Leader to organise the debate in the campaigns with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade to hear the position of the Government. It has stated that it is in favour of visas but not any type of waiver for the current undocumented.

We are having a debate on job creation today, which I welcome. As it is a major issue in the country-----

An Cathaoirleach:       Do you have a question for the Leader?

Senator Mark Daly:       I ask that the new public consultation process would organise groups and organisations to come into the House every month and propose detailed legislation as to what-----

An Cathaoirleach:       That is a matter you can take up with your representative on the CPP.

Senator Mark Daly:       -----can be done that will cut red tape and allow job creation.