Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It has been reported that a decision on the next tranche of the Greek bailout will be delayed until the end of the month, and that EU states have again failed to reach agreement on the way forward. The situation in the European and international economy is grave, as it has been since 2008, yet the leaders of Europe continue to kick the can down the road. Tomorrow we will have a debate on the eurozone crisis, but according to the Chief Whip's office, the Taoiseach will not be participating in it. What we are seeing across Europe is a failure of leaders to do what they know is necessary. Their unwillingness to take direct control is a large part of the problem.

The Taoiseach has yet to come to the House to discuss the report on the July summit and will attend another summit in two weeks. Will he make time tomorrow to discuss in the House the core part of his responsibilities rather than palming everything off to his able Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan?

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