Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. I look forward not to a quick fix but an early result and early relief on the bank debt. I will flag an issue to the Taoiseach, having flagged it previously, because it is becoming much more dangerous. Reports are emerging from Germany and the Bundestag that the German Parliament will not be able to ratify the treaty without the support of the Opposition because a two thirds majority is required. Today's edition of The Irish Times reports that the German opposition is demanding as the price for its support the introduction of a financial transactions tax. If that is the price of their support, I see a real danger that the big countries, including France, as President Hollande is also in favour, will decide that a financial transaction tax will be part of the funding of the growth package. Can the Taoiseach assure the House that Ireland, due to the vulnerability of the IFSC, will block any attempt to impose such a tax?

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