Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

Can the Taoiseach advise us on whether the Council, during the course of the meeting of 16 September, addressed the serious impact of the current economic situation on the lives of ordinary citizens, particularly that of rising unemployment across many member states? Was any consideration given to curbing the considerable powers of the international credit rating agencies and bond markets, which are now, by their actions and decisions, virtually dictating national policy to sitting governments of member states? That is how serious it is. Did the Taoiseach take note of the statement on 8 October by the rating agency Fitch that more repossessions and evictions were needed in Ireland - in its words, to help the performance of the banks? I do not need to remind the Taoiseach, who is as familiar with our history as I am-----

See this speech in context