EU values central to new Treaty – Killeen

The recently appointed Junior Agriculture Minister stated, "One of the significant parts of the Treaty is that it sets out in a very clear and concise way the values of the European Union. In the very first article of the Treaty it says that the ‘Union is founded on the values of respect for human dignity, freedom, democracy, equality, the rule of law and respect for human rights’".

He added that respect for these values is found throughout the Treaty, including in areas such as overseas development aid and peacekeeping, where clearer action is required as part of the Union’s moral obligation to the poorest communities in the world.

"One of the consistent themes of this campaign so far has been the attempt by the anti-Treaty side to paint the European Union as being engaged in a vast conspiracy to destroy individual states, undermine our economy and undermine democracy", Minister Killeen said.

He continued, "This is a travesty and ignores the fact that the EU has been the greatest force for peace, prosperity and democracy in the history of Europe. After 35 years of helping Ireland to develop, the EU has earned the right to by seen as on our side."

The Minister said that the Lisbon Reform Treaty brings this a step forward by incorporating directly into the basic law of the Union a commitment to values, which Ireland holds dear.

"As a series of independent studies have now confirmed, attacks on the Treaty as somehow threatening us on issues such as taxation and neutrality have been shown to be completely untrue. As this campaign goes on, it is becoming increasingly clear that this Treaty is true to the model of an EU which has worked well for Ireland. Central to this are values, which I will proudly vote for on June 12", Minister of State Killeen concluded.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor:

- Tony Killeen T.D., Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (with special responsibility for Fisheries and Forestry), is available for interview and further comment on 0035387-2525304. Alternatively please contact Mark Dunphy of Dunphy Public Relations on 00353868534900 or media@dunphypr.com

- High-resolution images of Minister Killeen are available on request

Mark Dunphy
Dunphy Public Relations
www.dunphypr.com
00353-868534900 (mobile)
00353-656839692 (fax)