Barry Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Following the EU meeting yesterday, there seems to be a concerted effort and progress on the part of member states for growth initiatives through project bonds. This is to be welcomed by us all. There can now be no doubt that the stability treaty will not be changed. The commitment to growth initiatives are long overdue and we look forward to the June EU summit in this regard. We must remember, however, that it is in addition to and separate from the stability treaty which the Irish people will vote for next Thursday. I reiterate our party's commitment to that treaty in calling for a "Yes" vote.

A related matter concerns jobs in the economy, which is vitally important considering the ominous signs from Hewlett Packard this morning. Just over a month ago, on 18 April, the Taoiseach told this House that water meters would be introduced. He said that, as a result, there would be no job losses in the 34 local authorities but that an additional 2,000 jobs would be created for quantity surveyors, engineers, plumbers and others working in the water system. I do not want to get into the pros and cons of water metering today.

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