Dáil debates

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

4:00 pm

Photo of Gerry AdamsGerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

I am not surprised by the Taoiseach's response. However, I am disappointed. There is a democratic principle involved here. The Taoiseach's party, Fine Gael, also has a view of the European Union. One of the reasons we are in the fix we are in is because Fine Gael, and the other main party in Government, played fast and loose with the people's democratic entitlements in re-running referendums when the results did not suit.

I tabled eight questions to the Taoiseach. I note from his one line response to my question on the promissory note that he did not raise that issue at the summit. The Taoiseach was, however, at pains to highlight the assertion that the Government is working with the troika on the Anglo Irish Bank promissory note. I heard on the news this morning that a deal in respect of a second bailout for Greece was agreed at last night's meeting of Finance Ministers. I also heard the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, say that he did not raise the issue of the promissory note either.

Has the Taoiseach ever raised the issue of unsustainable bank debt at the European Council meeting? I do not know how this Government proposes to get a deal when it continues to tell us it has not sought debt restructuring, that Ireland will repay its debt and so on. This is continually said on the record prior to summit meetings. If I understood him correctly, the Taoiseach stated that technical negotiations are continuing. Can he give the House an update in that regard and on when those negotiations are likely to conclude? Is it still the Government's intention to pay €3.1 billion to Anglo Irish Bank at the end of March?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.