Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent)

I am pleased to be able to speak on this motion. I acknowledge the people voted last week for whatever reason, whether because of fear or otherwise. Business people, those in employment and others were concerned, rightly, about the future of Ireland in Europe and its future as a country on its own. The people took a decision that it is better to be in the system rather than outside. This is why the Taoiseach, the Minister of State, Deputy Creighton, and everyone else should change their stance when they meet European leaders. We must let them know that we are not simply messenger boys.

We have gained much from Europe since joining the European Economic Community in the early 1970s. We are now in a crisis and need help. We must be treated as an equal, rather than as lap-dogs to be given a pat on the head during photo-calls. This morning, the Taoiseach failed to answer a question on what Chancellor Merkel said to him in a telephone conversation. Did her words reflect the adage we have in Tipperary, namely, "Dúirt bean liom go ndúirt bean léi go raibh fear i dTiobraid Árann a bhfuil póca ina léine aige"? That is no good any more. Is he saying that dúirt bean liom go ndúirt bean léi go raibh fear i gContae Maigh Eo that has a pocket in his shirt? The pockets of Irish people are empty.

I will not relate more of the types of stories told by previous speakers. I meet people every day in my clinic, socially or on the streets who tell me they are suffering more than they can bear. Young people are being driven to emigration, while the lifeblood is being drained from businesses. People are also worried about their pensions and with good reason. Ireland must be treated fairly and that will not be the case until such time as we stand up to Chancellor Merkel and company. We must gain our rightful place among European nations.

Some months ago, a number of colleagues and I met representatives of the troika. I was shocked to learn they believed everything was grand in Ireland and the electorate had given the Government a mandate for its actions. The Government was elected on promises to do the opposite of what the Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government did. In the Tánaiste's eyes fire was not hot enough to burn the bondholders. As the old saying goes, the bondholders are now laughing all the way to the bank. People were labouring under false illusions. The Government should deal with high earners, including senior public servants, and address pensions and other blatantly unfair issues. I am sure the Germans are well aware of this unfairness. When our officials travel abroad to meet their counterparts, they are being paid double what others are paid, travel first class and stay in the best hotels. The time for playing games is over.

The Taoiseach indicated this morning that the forthcoming European summit will be crucial. The time for talking is over and the Government must take action. The German and French banks recklessly shovelled money into our banks and regulators in both countries failed. Half of the debt acquired through the bank guarantee cannot and should not be repaid because it was lent recklessly by foreign banks. We should agree to repay perhaps half of it over a longer term of 30 years or more. Ireland is not a bad debtor and will continue to pay its way, as it has always done. We cannot cope with the albatross of debt around our necks which is choking business and frightening the young and old alike. Will the soup kitchens we had during the Famine make a reappearance? We can no longer stand for this. The Government must show leadership and wear the green jersey. It must let it be known that while Irish people are proud and reasonable and will play fair, they will not be treated as serfs.

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