Arthur Spring (Kerry North-West Limerick, Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I believe that when the European Union looks at Ireland, it looks at it from a macro-economic perspective. One of the barometers that might resonate with Europe is the level of emigration. Perhaps we should ask the French or Germans what would happen in their countries if 8% of their population had to emigrate to find work someplace else? We need to impress this human dimension upon the European Union to get the breaks we need in the ESM etc. It is unfortunate that the overwhelming attitude towards us currently is that we are doing fine. This is too positive. I urge the Minister to think about and convey that if he sees fit.