Joan Collins (Dublin South Central, People Before Profit Alliance)

The policy of the Government is to cut the State's deficit to 3% by 2013, thereby returning to us our sovereignty, yet it is now supporting the potential of the European Central Bank to become the central bank and ruler of our banking system. Power is taken from our hands in any case. I would like the Minister of State to elaborate on this.

The policy of austerity will bring all countries to their knees, particularly Italy, Spain, Greece and Ireland. Deputy Shane Ross asked some days ago whether there is a plan B. Are Irish punts being printed? Having listened to Ms Christine Lagarde referring to ten years, or more, of austerity, I believe this must be asked. To what extent is the Government willing to put the people on its knees and impose further austerity measures?

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