Billy Kelleher (Cork North Central, Fianna Fail)

I welcome the opportunity to discuss this issue. I thank the Government for agreeing to demands put forward by the Opposition last week to the effect that the House should sit today to debate it. This is an extremely important issue for us, as European citizens, and for the nation, as a political entity in the context of the European Union and the eurozone. I welcome the comments by those on the Government side in respect of the challenges we face and the difficult choices and decisions which must be made. Unfortunately, these decisions will give rise to pain for citizens across Europe. That pain has never been more evident than today, particularly when one considers the decision taken by the Government of Greece to hold a referendum on the bailout and the potential for a haircut of 50% in respect of its debt which has been foisted on it and its people by the European Union.

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