Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

This procedure is probably the most momentous decision in the history of the State. It is the effect of a decision by the Government to request assistance from the European Central Bank, the EU Commission and the International Monetary Fund. The proposal that this would merit a mere 90 minutes debate in the Dáil is unbecoming to the Constitution and the people of Ireland.

The Taoiseach himself needs to come to the House and explain in detail to the people what his Cabinet signed off on by way of a virtual meeting and videoconference of Finance Ministers. Under the proposed arrangements, the Labour Party would have one 15 minute speaking slot and only the Minister for Finance would speak for the Government. It is extraordinarily inappropriate and insulting to the people not to have the details of this decision explained in our Parliament.

We are being told by every newspaper in the world what the Irish people need to do. Everyone in this House is conscious of our international responsibilities and our responsibilities to the European Union. However, under the Constitution we have a responsibility primarily to the citizens of our own country. That starts with explaining this. We object to a 90 minute debate as grotesque.

See this speech in context