Arthur Morgan (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I am sure the Minister is aware that Germany and France have agreed a pact, the aim of which is to amend the Lisbon treaty. They intend to seek support for the pact within the EU. They would like penalties to be imposed on member states that do not stay within the limits of the Stability and Growth Pact. It has been suggested that voting rights may be withdrawn from member states as part of this new pact. Given that the Stability and Growth Pact is such a fundamental aspect of our current economic circumstances, does the Minister have a position on the proposed pact? Regardless of our disagreements about the target of 3% of GDP, I would like to know whether the Minister has a view on the matter. Can he tell the House what he will say when he meets his German and French counterparts in the near future?

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