Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

I agree with Deputy Kenny that there is an air of unreality about this. Last Thursday saw one of the most significant decisions made by the country. Now we have an Order of Business in front of us and a schedule for the week that proposes to blithely carry on regardless, with no debate on that decision. This issue, as Deputy Kenny said, is being discussed in every capital in Europe. If it is not formally on the agenda of parliaments throughout Europe, it certainly is being discussed by parliamentarians. It is unreal and unbelievable that the Government has no proposal to discuss the consequences and aftermath of last week's referendum decision.

Are there plans to have a debate on the issue this week? A proposal to have a debate tomorrow would at least be welcome. The Taoiseach needs to hear the views and assessments, which may differ, of Members before he attends the European Council summit meeting later this week. Earlier, there was only an exchange of questions and answers on the referendum decision. The Taoiseach needs to hear some initial considerations on the issue and Members need to give their assessments.

With the greatest respect, the Taoiseach appears to be in denial. We have had an exchange about the economy but there is an air of denial about last Thursday's decision. The Taoiseach must hear the views of Members who have got feedback from the people before he attends the summit meeting later this week. If he will not do so this evening, I suggest he sets aside tomorrow for a debate on the post-referendum situation.

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