Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

A Cheann Comhairle, I thank you at the outset for the opportunity to address the issue highlighted in the "Prime Time" programme last evening, that is, the disgraceful treatment of elder citizens by so-called home care providers, under the matters selected for the Adjournment.

Tomorrow, the Taoiseach will seek the endorsement of the Dáil for the Government's sell-out deal with the IMF. I know he will deny it, but I believe this debate and vote is taking place as a result of letters issued on my behalf by solicitors to both the Offices of the Chief State Solicitor and the Attorney General last week, demanding that this opportunity be provided to Members of this House under Article 29 of the Constitution, and that this be acceded to by Government by the close of business today. Otherwise, I would have reserved the opportunity to take whatever action I deemed necessary, including legal action. I know the Taoiseach will deny this, but that is my belief and it is the backdrop to what we are looking at tomorrow.

Does the Taoiseach recall the same IMF in its financial systems stability assessment update of 2006, stating: "Good progress has been achieved in strengthening the regulatory and supervisory framework." How well did it examine the situation then obtaining before it made that claim? Let us make no mistake: the birds of prey trio, comprising the IMF, the ECB and the EU, have been cheerleaders all along through the Celtic tiger years and have been encouraging endless borrowing. They have been applauding direct tax reductions and avoidance and they now have their claws deeply embedded in our economic and political future. Would the Taoiseach not agree that it is time to clip their nails and send them back from whence they came?

Make no mistake, personal and all as Mr. Ajay Chopra can be, we do not want a new lord-lieutenant here in Ireland. We have history books full of those experiences. We want to retain whatever last vestiges of our economic sovereignty and independence, and we can have that.

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