Pearse Doherty (Donegal, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

There would not be a net cost to the Exchequer. Parties like me would support the legislation because we have argued in favour of bailing in bondholders and a backstop. While we do not agree with this formulation, the ECB should provide a backstop and there should be a separation of sovereign debt. At least we are getting somewhere, but all of this could change without reverting to Parliament. Yes, the Minister will have a veto, but an opinion poll shows that only 24% of people support his party. What about the other 76%? The Minister does not necessarily represent all views. Given the amount of money involved, should any change to what has been agreed to by consensus between the Minister and the other member states not require Oireachtas approval? That is a basic principle. I will introduce an amendment on Report Stage to move matters along. If a change is minor or straightforward, a motion could be tabled in and passed by the Houses, but if it is substantial, it should be debated. The principle we are being asked to endorse does not just concern the legislation but the legislation dealing with the agreement. If it changes, the Government's original decision could be altered dramatically also.