Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I would draw attention to remarks by a former member of the troika who appeared to revisit his previous position on these matters. A lot of action has taken place since then but information currently being fed into the public arena can have a destabilising effect on European countries across the entire eurozone and beyond it. That issue must be dealt with sooner rather than later. From my experience as a public representative, I see signs that are not helpful at present. There are distinct signs of unrest across Europe.

To what extent have European institutions - and national institutions both within and outside the eurozone - addressed the issue of portraying to their respective communities the extent to which resources are available to deal with the situation presenting itself? In other words, is it feasible to say to the public at large that there is no alternative? Or is there an alternative? If there is such an alternative through the hard times we see emerging at present, how do we go about pursuing it?

A multiplicity of currencies within the EU will never work. As long at that remains there will always be scope for predatory activity in the financial markets, thus enabling people to make a lot of money rapidly with consequences ultimately for the economies concerned. I have held that view for a long time, although not everybody agrees with me. They may disagree but I still strongly hold that view. I believe that it will not work without a single currency that has the full support of all EU member states, including those who aspire to accession.