Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Deputy Ross referred to the Taoiseach's return from the Heads of State meeting in June as being like Neville Chamberlain coming back to England in 1938. I cannot think of a more despicable, unacceptable analogy to use in describing the extraordinary work that has been undertaken by this Government, led by the Taoiseach and, in particular, the work done by him in bringing about the arrangements that were discussed and agreed last June. It is unfortunate that Deputy Ross, for reasons of personal political opportunism and in the hope of catching a headline, should bring this Parliament down to that level by engaging in such an analogy. I suggest to Deputy Ross that the time has come for him to distinguish between the headline writing of the Sunday Independent and the manner in which he conducts himself in this House. I ask him to give serious consideration to withdrawing the despicable, unacceptable analogy that he uttered on the record of this House.

In conclusion, I wish to reiterate the point made by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, that this Bill closely follows the articles of the stability treaty, voted for by the Irish people in referendum. I thank Deputy Michael McGrath for indicating his party's support for this Bill. I urge Deputies to support the Fiscal Responsibility Bill 2012 and commend the Bill to the House.

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