Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Taoiseach for the straight reply. It is most unfortunate that the Taoiseach did not get knowledge in advance because Ireland and Spain, in particular, are the two nations most affected by it. It seems that is symptomatic of the way Ireland is now treated in Europe, as the good poster boy who gets nothing in return. The least we could have got was that knowledge. We are getting nothing back from Europe for being good Europeans. We are not even getting information in advance about matters which affect our vital interests.

These are not three out of 27 Finance Ministers. These are the three most economically powerful nations. These are three triple A-rated nations. These are three people who will dictate the pace in the next European summit to the other nations.

Perhaps the Taoiseach could comment on this.

This is not just about scoring political points. Today Reuters states it now appears likely that Ireland will remain saddled with vast amounts of bank debt that will make it harder for the Government to solve banking problems and get the country's finances in order. That is an international, independent judgment on the State.

See this speech in context