Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

That will be followed by a debate on the eurozone and the issues arising from the referendum called by the Greek Prime Minister, Mr. Papandreou.

I assure Deputy Martin that I will be here for the entire debate and for the questions and answers which follow it. We will try to deal with those questions as comprehensively as possible. As I said in this Chamber this morning, the situation is that we have not been able to unravel the commitments entered into with external partners, particularly the ECB, in respect of these bondholders. I made it clear there is no question of further moneys beyond what is already committed being brought into play. While it is not an ideal situation, in the context of where we are as a country and as a people, in respect of our integrity, our competence and our reputation, and in the longer-term interests of our people in respect of employment incentives and opportunities, we are making the decision in this manner.

Regarding the point made by Deputies on the right to vote, in recent months we have had more discussions about the eurozone and European issues in general than was ever previously the case. The absent Deputy had the opportunity to put down a Private Members' motion last week if he wished to have the matter dealt with this week, but he chose not to do so. I am not one for hysterics and so on. Where I come from, one stays on the pitch and fights one's case. If Members opposite wish to walk out, they are welcome to do so. I will be here to welcome them back when they return.

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