Dáil debates

Tuesday, 21 February 2012

4:00 pm

Photo of Joe HigginsJoe Higgins (Dublin West, Socialist Party)

The Taoiseach did not deal with the substantive issue. How can the Government support the deal agreed by EU Finance Ministers last night in respect of Greece when it is clear that said deal will not solve the critical issue of indebtedness in the peripheral countries, so-called, of the European Union? Is the Taoiseach aware of what will be the extent of the consequences for the Greek people of the endless years of austerity to which this deal - on which the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, signed off - will give rise? The number of hospital beds in Greece has already been cut by 30% and will now be reduced by a further 20%. In economic terms, pensioners and workers in that country are being crushed by the burden of austerity being imposed on them. Teachers and parents in Athens have reported that children are fainting in classrooms as a result of hunger.

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