Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

I agree with much of what my colleagues have said. It is not a great position for Ireland to be in to be applauded by other European leaders and by the Financial Times. The Government claims we are achieving our objectives. That is not so. We are achieving Europe's objectives and the bankers' objectives but we are not doing anything which is in the interests of the Irish people. We are doing something in the interests of the Irish Government, and the applause the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance are getting for buckling under to the deal negotiated by the last something is something I do not welcome.

In terms of what I would like to hear, if we are the good boys of Europe and top of the class, what are we getting in return? Are we getting any reciprocal clout at the tables of Europe? Does anybody really listen to Ireland? We are in the political dog house and the European dog house and we have accepted that position by lying down and rolling over. That is not the position we should be in. Greece has constantly deceived, rebutted, opposed and challenged Europe. Greece is getting a reward for that whether we like it or not.

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