Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I have read the Taoiseach's speech. The officials are impressed with President Van Rompuy because he is listening. I know and the Taoiseach knows that President Van Rompuy has a plan and a framework. He is talking to Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy. The Taoiseach knows this but why not inform the House? That is the point. Let us not pretend there is some sort of deliberate listening exercise going on. The telephones are buzzing. People are in conclave and are talking energetically and urgently about this crisis. That is why Monti held discussions with Sarkozy and Merkel last week. We are having no specific discussions in this House or country. People are almost immune from any serious debate about the specifics.

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