John Halligan (Waterford, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I subscribe to Deputy Eric Byrne's views on Ukraine. In the Dáil, I have spoken in depth on Ukraine. Much of Europe was sleepwalking regarding the corrupt Ukraine regime and did not consider how Russians were being treated in Crimea and in the eastern border areas. Over the years, many of us have been raising the issue of large Russian-speaking populations being denied the right to speak their language and have it recognised and to join the police force, army and civil service. This has allowed a disenfranchised group of people to seek solace where they originally came from, namely, Russia. While I have no sympathy with Mr. Putin, I have sympathy with many of the Russian-speaking people. It has been belatedly acknowledged across Europe that many in Ukraine were completely corrupt. Some acknowledged their support for Hitler and his policies, while we sat by idly, year after year, knowing that whole groups of people, particularly the Russian speakers, were being treated badly and an outcome was inevitable. Although we have to do something, it is probably a little late for Europe to intervene now. There was no acknowledgement across Europe of the part Ukraine played in the debacle between Russia and Ukraine. While I do not agree with Mr. Putin and his tactics, I sympathise with many Russians, whom I have spoken to and met, across different European countries such as Latvia regarding how they feel they are being treated by various governments.

I read an article in Timemagazine in America which reported a comment by one of the top economists that what the troika had done was completely unrealistic and asking Greece to do what they were doing was nearly impossible. The Greek debt stands at approximately €317 billion, or 170% of GDP. It is unpayable and impractical. The Greeks cannot do it. James Galbraith, who is recognised as a pretty good, reasonable economist, has said the conditions set for Greece are "not recuperative, but punitive in character". We all accept that because of the major unemployment and deprivation in Greece, there are social consequences that must be dealt with. There are tax consequences where tax was not being collected. Greece needs to create jobs in order to build the economy.

Basically, I imagine they are the three main cornerstones on which Greece will survive, that is, dealing with the social issues, tax and unemployment. I seek the views of the Minister of State in respect of this unpayable debt. If one thinks about this debt, it is 170% of GDP and while paying back what the troika and the European Union is asking of them would take 50 years, they still would be living in poverty.