Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

The time for ducking and diving is over in regard to the eurozone crisis. There is no sense of any inclusive discussion or negotiation and there is no sense of Ireland putting forward any ideas, proposals or suggestions. Has the Taoiseach spoken to, or met, any eurozone leader since his meeting with Chancellor Merkel regarding forthcoming proposals? Has he spoken to President van Rompuy? Has he tabled ideas to him about limited treaty change or whatever it takes to come through this? There is more clarity in terms of proposed treaty changes in the international media than there is in this House. There has been no clarity, no frankness of discussion and no engagement on it.

People do not have a difficulty with stronger budgetary surveillance across Europe but anyone who thinks that alone will restore market confidence is choosing to ignore reality. I have been saying for months in the House that the European Central Bank, ECB, has to be allowed to intervene effectively and decisively in this crisis and that is being put off month after month. Only one month ago, the Taoiseach came back from a summit saying all was well and decisive steps had been taken. That unravelled within days.

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