Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

First of all, I want to confirm - as Deputy Cowen has said - that yesterday's meeting of EU leaders brought forward a number of proposals which will be worked on between now and June. They are aimed at stimulating growth and job creation within the EU. Those proposals fit in very well with the Government's plans to bring forward measures to stimulate the domestic economy. Yesterday's meeting is something the Irish Government has sought for some time and the outcome is very positive, particularly in addressing the issue of youth unemployment. So many young people from this country and throughout the EU either cannot get jobs or cannot get the work for which they are qualified.

I also want to confirm that the stability treaty will not be changed. What is being voted upon on this day week is exactly the treaty that has been signed. There are no changes in that treaty, nor will there be any changes to it.

See this speech in context