Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is a very exaggerated presentation of the facts. Let us suppose in the years to come the national finances are out of kilter with the provisions of the treaty. There are only two ways to correct fiscal imbalances, either by increasing taxes or cutting expenditure. For tax increases the Minister of the day must introduce a budget followed by a finance Bill and there will be votes in the House. If the Minister must adjust the Votes downwards for particular Departments it will also present an occasion in the Dáil where eventually a Supplementary Estimate will be taken or the Opposition will demand a vote or a debate. It is not a question of not having a debate if correction must be made. It is not a question of the Dáil not having its say. It is a question of not writing it into the text of the treaty because it is inevitable anyway.

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