Dáil debates

Wednesday, 7 March 2012

European Council: Statements (Resumed)

 

1:00 pm

Photo of Shane RossShane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

Like any sensible person, I will study the terms attached to any deal. The Government must first acknowledge that the two issues are related, following which it will be better able to sell the treaty in a referendum. There is a direct relationship between the two issues, just as there is a direct relationship between the public sector cuts made and any relief the Government might receive on the promissory notes. This is an important and relevant issue and I wish people would stop pretending that it is not. This pretence is based on the fear and trepidation of European leaders. I regret that in every speech he makes on this issue the Taoiseach feels it necessary to pay tribute to one leader or another and say the EuropeaN Union would welcome this or that. We should not feel compelled on all occasions to pay tribute to Mr. Von Rompuy, as the Taoiseach did, and say the European Union would welcome our participation in this treaty. Of course, it would welcome it. If that is the case, let us ask it for something in return. It would not only welcome our participation in the treaty, it also believes it is vital because the treaty was drawn up specifically for countries such as Ireland, Greece, Portugal, Spain and Italy. If it wants us to sign up to it, it should give us something in return for our support.

The Taoiseach mentioned a relevant and interesting matter. He said that if we were to sign the treaty, we would have access to the ESM. One can see from a mile off that this will be the main selling point of the treaty. The focus of those on the "Yes" side and the "No" side will be the ESM and whether we will have access to ESM funds.

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