Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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Deputy Ray Butler said he wished Opposition Deputies would look at what is happening across Europe. He mentioned that soup kitchens and food kitchens are popping up in Spain. Perhaps he should look at what is happening in his constituency and in the State because we have our own soup kitchens and food kitchens. Some of his rationale for wanting to proceed with it as soon as possible was that Spain needs it. That may be the case but we are here to consider the best interests of citizens in this State. Obviously, the upcoming Irish Presidency puts us at a disadvantage in the sense that we will have to adopt a neutral position during the negotiations. It is not clear to what extent Ireland will have to co-finance it, all of which will have to be worked out. I agree with Deputy Aengus Ó Snodaigh that we should not rush into the negotiations and we need to look at the consequences. If that means discussing it in more detail, I would favour that rather than rush into it today and make a decision.