Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I also wish to take this opportunity to thank all those who were involved in presenting the "No" case analysis from a progressive point of view. I also compliment the hundreds of thousands of people who stood resolutely by the "No" analysis on referendum voting day. They too are to be commended on their position and participation in a democratic debate and decision-making process. I was delighted by the role that Sinn Féin has played and how the results have shown the considerable impact my party had in informing the electorate. It was something of a David and Goliath contest, which probably explains the stone in Deputy Kenny's shoe.

On the issue of the question before Members, I note from the Taoiseach's initial response that the agenda for the summit on 29 and 30 October includes, among a number of others, economic issues. In that context, will the European Council be discussing the unemployment crisis? I refer in particular to the use by the campaigning "Yes" side of the fear and worse, the prospect, of an increase in the rates of unemployment were people were to vote "No" again, as well as of the prospect of a further decline in our economic condition and a dissuading of potential inward investors coming to these shores. The counter to such suggestions was the "Yes" campaign's underscoring of what it sought people to believe, that is, that jobs and recovery would result were people to vote "Yes".

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