Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour)

Future generations of Irish children do not need these conditions to prevail again. That is why this Government through the Ministers, Deputies Howlin and Noonan, are making changes domestically to how we as a Government and country manage our budgets. These changes will bring about greater transparency and rigorous analysis never seen before.

This weekend the challenge for all European and national policy makers is to get confidence back in the euro currency. It is of critical importance to Ireland to have a stable currency, based on rules to which all member states have signed up and by which all are obliged to play. It is in our interest that these rules are enforced fairly, regardless of a country's perceived size or economic prowess. Priority must be given to answering the immediate crisis and taking the necessary steps to restore calm to the markets. Looking to the longer term must not distract us from what needs to be done now.

Ireland will not be forced into anything at the European Council, nor, as the Technical Group says, will the Taoiseach be "handing over our economic sovereignty". He and this Government will protect Ireland's interests as we have done since being elected. This Government is working to retrieve our economic sovereignty, which was stolen from us by 13 years of the previous Administration.

President Van Rompuy's approach to his interim report of first seeing what needs to be done and only then how that can be best done is one the Government supports. President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel's proposals are also being rigorously digested by this Government. Let us be clear that we will only embrace the elements that work for us. President Van Rompuy's emphasis on strengthening the short-term crisis management tools available to us, as well as acknowledging the need to adopt, over the medium term, measures that will also fortify our economic union, echoes Ireland's position. The possibility of limited treaty change is on the table and the Taoiseach will engage positively on this. We believe that any improvements should be looked for within the current treaties first. For very good reasons, there are processes set out in the treaties that have to be followed. These are timely processes that involve protecting democracy and ensuring consensus. However, if we have to look at the area of treaty changes then we will do so but only in the interests of the people of Ireland.

I ask everyone to support the Government's amendment to the motion and the amended motion, which is the only motion viable for this Government and the country.

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