Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

No, it is not agreed and I want to explain why. There should be a discussion about this matter. The Fine Gael Party produced a series of recommendations about how we should deal with Europe on the committee, which was chaired by Senator Paschal Donohoe last year before the Lisbon referendum. The chairman of the Committee on European Affairs, Deputy Bernard Durkan, has made a number of suggestions about how we should deal with European issues here, as has the chairman of the Sub-Committee on European Scrutiny, Deputy John Perry. There is an avalanche of matters coming down the track from Europe. There needs to be a discussion on how we will deal with those kind of issues from a European viewpoint here in our own Parliament.

In addition, we need to discuss the consequences of the very serious economic situation in Greece. The Taoiseach has been briefed by the Minister for Finance in respect of the decision within the eurozone to bail out the German and French banks exposed to Greece at this time. That is a momentous decision for the Government to have to make. It is the first time in many years there has been a transfer of wealth or finance to this extent to another country. It is fundamental to maintain the euro and the strength of the EU. There will be a meeting in Brussels on Friday and there is ample time to have a discussion about the Grecian issue either today or tomorrow. If the Taoiseach confirms that we can have a debate or statements about this matter I will withdraw my objection.

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