Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I will deal with the Deputy's last question first. I understand that Deputy Pringle has decided to initiate proceedings in the High Court which include the seeking of an order to compel the State to hold a referendum on the ESM. He is also challenging the process to amend articles of the Lisbon treaty. Deputy Ó Caoláin should be well aware that the ESM is a funding arrangement and that it is not necessary to hold a referendum on it because it is a funding arrangement that is entirely compatible with the Constitution. It does not in any way limit sovereignty of the State in the exercise of its economic affairs, but merely indicates the State's willingness to participate as an equal sovereign nation in the permanent stability mechanism.

I find it quite incongruous that a party like Sinn Féin would seek to take action with regard to the State giving people information about what is in this treaty and what it means. Deputy Ó Caoláin can take it from me the Government wants the citizens of our State to have all available information given to them in understandable form, so that they are properly and fully aware of the decision-----

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