Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I will speak, if I may. I did not interrupt anyone. Tomorrow we will have a discussion proper on the ESM Bill. I welcome the establishment of the ESM because this country does need to have potential access to a fund of that scale and size. We all criticised the European Union for the absence of mechanisms to respond to the type of crisis it has experienced in recent years. The establishment of a permanent fund to help countries that are in trouble is a welcome mechanism that will be permanent and long standing. It will help Europe and the eurozone of which we are a member. I have always been somewhat perplexed by the knee-jerk reaction and negativity towards the establishment of the ESM. It is a welcome measure but I respect the right of others to differ.

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