Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

Regarding the Commission document on the budget that was announced, the fact that Europe reached some kind of agreement last weekend, which, in effect, prevented speculators destroying a number of European economies through movements on the money market, is to be welcomed. However, it is important to know if the Government proposes to lay the document from the Commission before the Dáil and to provide time to discuss it. It would be unfortunate if we were to have a phoney war in this country over the position on discussions and arrangements with the European Union which are important in terms our national interest.

If the Commission is proposing, and our representatives, the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, have agreed before discussing in this Dáil-----

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