Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Sinn Féin has no objection to taking this Bill today. Indeed, we look forward to the national conference centre proving to be the success we all wish it to be at the heart of the city. However, before agreeing to the Order of Business, will the Government accommodate an opportunity for statements and a question and answer session with the Minister for Finance with regard to the European Commission decision announced yesterday on the submission of draft national budgets for scrutiny and peer review by other member states? This is a hugely important issue that could very well threaten the sovereignty of member states with regard to their fiscal policies and budgetary decisions. It is critical that the import of this announcement is given full voice and that there is an opportunity for full scrutiny in this House. I echo the concerns already expressed by Deputy Bruton and I noted his comments this morning on "Morning Ireland". Why are some people taken aback by this announcement? Many of us were forecasting that this was coming down the tracks in any event-----

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