Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

These proposals relate to motions, not legislation, and ordinarily we would understand in the circumstances of the last day of the session that they must be timeframed. However, the import of the motions cannot be addressed in an hour and ten minutes. That is an absolutely inadequate timeframe to address what is of huge importance. What is contained in all of this is absolutely at the core of everything that has gone wrong in terms of our economy and its impact on the daily living conditions of so many ordinary people the length and breadth of this State.

It is important to be balanced in one's contribution on this. We welcome the extension of the period, up to January of last year, that the commission of inquiry will investigate; that is an important step forward. However, there are many other matters that must be addressed. While the joint committee will consider the matter, it should be also debated in plenary session. This Dáil Chamber needs to devote more time to this very important issue which, as I said, is at the core of all our economic difficulties. We oppose the time allotment in this case.

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