Patrick O'Donovan (Limerick, Fine Gael)

Like our friends north of the Border, we no longer have the capability to borrow and are beholden to three institutions which have come to our assistance, namely, the European Central Bank, International Monetary Fund and European Commission. Our friends in Sinn Féin would have us tell these institutions to go home because we can manage our own affairs. I want to have a functioning social welfare system in this State next year. I also want teachers, nurses and gardaí to be paid. When the Deputies opposite produce a credible alternative that allows us to wave goodbye to the EU, IMF and ECB while allowing us to have a functioning democracy I will listen to them.

See this speech in context