Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

They also have confidence in our workforce and people generally. They recognise that, even with the underlying Eurostat figures, this country is heading in the right direction. I am happy that Europe has responded to, amongst others, this Government's promptings for an agenda of growth, jobs, investment and career opportunities. That is where we want to be.

On 31 May, the electorate must be fully informed about what this treaty actually does and what it is not about. When they make their decision, they will be voting on the future of our country. It is our decision alone; it has nothing to do with the elections in the Netherlands, regional elections in Germany, Serbia or Greece, or the outcome of the second round of the French presidential election. This is Ireland's decision alone. We cannot prevent this fiscal treaty from moving forward. Some 25 EU countries have signed on for it and will all ratify it. We choose to do so by referendum. The Government and others who support the referendum, will see to it that the people are given the fullest information about the critical decision they must make.

As I have stated on many occasions, on 1 January next year the train for Europe's future leaves the station.

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