Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

No. Last Tuesday, the Fine Gael Party Whip, Deputy Kehoe, requested an opportunity to have statements in the House from the Minister for Finance on behalf of the Government in respect of Ireland's contribution to and participation in the bilateral loan scheme for the people of Greece. As we speak, there is great tension across Greece as its Parliament debates the austerity programme that will have to be implemented in some measure if the country is to abide by the rules and regulations.

Tomorrow, at a meeting of the Heads of Government of the countries of the eurozone, momentous decisions will be made in respect of the transfer of significant moneys from these countries to Greece to deal with its original loans, in particular, those from French and German banks. This requires a discussion of the terms, conditions and guarantees for the repayment of moneys to be transferred from Ireland to Greece. For three days, the Government has refused to explain to the House the terms, conditions and opportunities for repayment which will come out of tomorrow's meeting.

This is the start of a long and dangerous process for the European Union. It is central to the European process that one country support another and, in so doing, this House should have an opportunity to hear from the Minister for Finance what is at stake, how this agreement has been arrived at and its terms and conditions. In that context, I do not accept the Order of Business, as proposed by the Tánaiste.

This is the third day in a row the Government has refused to come to the House to debate these issues. Its refusal is typical of a Government that does not want to debate any issues that are seen to be complex or difficult or that could cause trouble for it. This is a matter for all our people who are represented by Members of this House. It is of considerable import in terms of where Europe and the European Union are headed and it is critical for the countries of the eurozone. I respectfully request that the Tánaiste amend the Order of Business to provide an opportunity for a 90 minute or two hour discussion of this issue in advance of the meeting of eurozone Heads of Government tomorrow at which this momentous decision is to be made.

See this speech in context