Dick Roche (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)

We all know Ireland needs Europe and the last thing we need to see is further instability in the eurozone and we all have a responsibility to work to ensure that does not happen. The measures put forward by the European Commission are sensible, necessary and timely but do not undermine any member state's sovereignty. They certainly cannot undermine our position on taxation which has treaty status because of the work of the members of successive Governments. The treaties are not perfect but they are final. As always happens and as Members know, in particular those with the experience of Deputy Noonan, the proposals made, especially in a consultation paper by the European Commissions, will be discussed, elevated and changed.

There was a great debate over the weekend in which I happen to share an interest and on which I would have some common ground with Fine Gael on the need to talk about budgetary reform in this country. We should not entangle that issue with issues relating to the Commission's proposals which are sensible and timely.

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