Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I note a Chairman of the Joint Oireachtas Committee on European Union Affairs has yet to be appointed and there is a meeting of the committee next Friday. Will the Government facilitate a discussion on the forthcoming treaty at the Oireachtas committee next Friday? This is a very important issue which will have a profound impact on the country and its future. It is incomprehensible that the Dáil has not had the opportunity to have any input into this treaty. The least that should be facilitated is a discussion with the relevant Ministers and officials at the Oireachtas committee on the draft treaty and the implications in terms of the new fiscal rules and so forth. It is a basic requirement.

I meant what I said earlier that this House is being treated with contempt on this issue. The very least we deserve as Members is an opportunity to have our say and an input. There is no point presenting a fait accompli next week, or a take it or leave it situation in terms of this treaty, which is what is happening. If that is what materialises, it will come back to haunt the country in terms of people's attitudes towards the European Union. We have legitimate points to make in this regard. I do not share the Taoiseach's scepticism about the RTE EU department.

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