Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Last week, the Minister for Finance entered the Dáil Chamber and asked Members to sign up for the purchase of a pig in a poke in respect of Anglo Irish Bank. Today, the Taoiseach has told Members that they can have the opportunity to debate the framework document after it has been agreed or in other words, when it is a fait accompli. This is absolutely disgraceful. The Taoiseach has asked the elected Members of the Parliament of the people to blindfoldedly sign off on proposals and measures the Government is bringing forward. Earlier, Members of this House had an opportunity to support a vote calling for the framework document to be shared and unfortunately it did not receive the support it deserved. I welcome those voices that now call for it because this House and its Members are being treated disgracefully by the Government, the Taoiseach and his Minister for Finance. Members are being asked to come into the House over the next couple of days to address statements on the economy with one hand tied behind their backs.

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