Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

When the Fine Gael leader earlier asked the Taoiseach whether he was considering changes at EU level that would require the Irish budget to be first approved by other countries' Finance Ministers, the Taoiseach seemed decidedly uncomfortable and did not answer the question. I believe this is a legitimate question for the Order of Business. Is the Taoiseach contemplating legal and profound changes in this respect?

Has the Taoiseach had an opportunity overnight to clarify the nature of legislation needed for the proposed Irish guarantee of €7.5 billion for the eurozone stabilisation fund? While the House welcomes this development, we need to know to what extent is the taxpayer moving ahead of other creditors such as bankers who have lent to countries in debt difficulties. Will the Irish taxpayer have preferential treatment over these creditors? What protections will be in place? Has the Taoiseach legislative proposals to put before the House so these issues can be thrashed out?

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