Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

I thank the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste for making time available for us to debate the outcome of the summit. While I was interested in what the Taoiseach had to say, he did not mention the elephant in the room which must have been hanging over him at the summit, namely, the Anglo Irish Bank promissory notes which were conspicuous by their absence. The report from Brussels mentions at length matters which are not the subject of this debate and omits the matter which is consuming the interests of the people who are interested in hearing - it is obvious something is about to happen - what deal will be made on the promissory notes and how it will affect our relationship with the European Union and the referendum. Regardless of how often members of the Government - it is obvious not all members agree with the treaty - dissemble or pretend that the two issues are not related, they are related in the public mind.

There is no doubt but that if the Government gets a good deal on the promissory notes, it will have a better chance of getting the treaty through in a referendum and it should not be ashamed or coy about this. If it is seeking a better deal on the promissory notes, it should be trumpeting this from the roof tops. If it succeeds, it will be easier for it to sell the treaty to the people in a referendum and acknowledge that the promissory notes should never have been given in the first place. Let us be honest and make the connection. This is what is going to happen. It is welcome that there will, undoubtedly, be an announcement by the Government on the promissory notes. I have no doubt that this announcement will affect the timing of the referendum, as stated by the Taoiseach.

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