Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The point I was making was that this opinion to leave the euro had been expressed by a member of the Central Bank Commission, which influences perception abroad. I am glad to hear the Taoiseach confirm the position as regards Ireland and the euro, and the importance of that for us. Neither do I share the view to the effect that Ireland should become an appendage of the United States.

I did not attend the Council meeting, obviously, but I was at the EPP meeting where quite a number of those present had attended the Council meeting. It is important to say that the Irish people gave Europe the Lisbon treaty. It is important to understand that as a consequence of that, the institutions Europe requested, and the powers they should have, were given to the Union by the Irish people.

A report in respect of Greece and its position is, to say the least, difficult. I understand the Greek Prime Minister has said if his party does not achieve a good result in the local elections a general election will be immediately called. The collapse of the talks in Portugal between Government and Opposition in regard to reducing Portugal's deficit to 4.6% is a matter it may be possible to resolve. I would like to make clear to the Taoiseach that I could not support Ireland agreeing to a change that would result in its voting rights being withdrawn. I hope this will not be on the table. I believe that would be catastrophic and it would have my outright opposition.

It is important to recognise a solution to this problem will not be found without Germany. The German court, in terms of the constitution, is examining the treaty in the context of the statement on bailouts. It is important to be able to say that we support rules and regulations that will make the system work. The conclusion of the EPP meeting which I attended is that while it is necessary to do something, the holding of a full-scale referendum either in Ireland or in a number of other countries, where a change in competence would require that, would cause some difficulties.

Does the Taoiseach share my view that in no circumstances should any country agree to that which would result in its voting rights being withdrawn? Does he also share the view that this is achievable by way of inclusion of a sentence in the Croatian accession in regard to a requirement for a fiscal rectitude mechanism rather than by way of a massive shift in confidence in the Union?

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