Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I suggest to the Leas-Cheann Comhairle and the Minister that we could discuss, through the Whips, whether there would be an opportunity to have a longer debate on the ESM tomorrow. I do not wish to guillotine anything. More time should be provided. It is a serious subject. We have spent recent weeks discussing Europe in general on the hustings and the House should be in a position to facilitate a longer debate, if necessary, either today on the European Communities (Amendment) Bill, which is a specific measure to amend Article 136, or on the ESM Bill proper. The Taoiseach indicated today that he is in favour of changing the mandate of the ESM in terms of its capacity to lend directly to banks and ailing banks, and that he had suggested such, which is a view held across Europe. The Minister might clarify the position. Would it require an amendment, for example, to the proposed Bill that is being put before us tomorrow? I would welcome a comment from the Minister in that regard.

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