Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein)

I heard the Ceann Comhairle. The Tánaiste was present for the debate we had with the Taoiseach on the outcome of the European summit. Things have moved on and the Minister for Finance has made an inaccurate and scaremongering comment that a potential referendum would be a straight call as to whether the State is in or out of the euro. Will the Tánaiste indicate when he envisages the debate on this issue will resume in the House? At what stage will the Minister, Deputy Noonan, come into this Chamber to explain that commentary? It seems to suggest he has advance knowledge of the content of the referendum question. I am glad he has conceded there will be a referendum. I am concerned he has struck a scaremongering note as the Government's initial pitch in a potential campaign. I have to say such a note has been struck consistently. In fairness, it has been struck by Fianna Fáil, as well as by the Labour Party and Fine Gael, when it comes to European matters.

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