Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The Taoiseach made several very interesting statements when replying earlier. He may have clarified it in his last reply, but I wish to be absolutely sure of it. Do I understand correctly that the Minister for Finance will respond to questions from Members of the House during the course of the debate on Friday? That is my first question. Second, this is a legislative Assembly in which Deputies decide what the laws of the country will be. The Government motion that will come before the House on Friday is basically about making law in respect of the banking bail-out scheme. I understand from what the Taoiseach has said that it is not open to the House to amend that proposed law because the Government has concluded negotiations with the EU Commission in respect of it. I respectfully submit that the EU Commission has no legislative role in making laws for this country.

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