Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

As Deputy Adams said, this is a fiscal union pact on austerity. It is a pact which has not been a product of Irish input, but one that is dictated by Germans, French and others. It is a realistic reflection of where power lies in Europe. Let there be no doubt whatsoever that this is not an end in itself. In this pact we will see the forerunner of further fiscal union down the road, which we will not like and will not accept. It would be utterly wrong for anyone here to think that this is some sort of an isolated treaty. After this will come tighter fiscal union, greater sacrifice of our independence and further attempts to increase our corporation profits tax. This is a road which we should not wish to go down. The Government should ask the people to pass this, but promise them that if they do so the debt will be reduced.

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