Fergus O'Dowd (Louth, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The House has heard the Deputy's argument before. I am pleased that the vast majority of Irish people and Members of the Oireachtas support the legislation on the basis that it will ensure Greece can meet the new and significant obligations the changes place on its economy. While these changes are having a significant impact, they also allow Greece to remain in the euro, thereby strengthening the currency, and have been supported by all the countries that signed the initial consent. Ireland dropped out of this consent, as it were, when we entered a programme.

Ireland supports the agreement and welcomes the constructive changes taking place in Greece which allow it to remain in the euro. Greece is receiving a tranche of money that it needed. It is important, however, to highlight the differences between Greece and Ireland. We are in a different position because we are about to exit an agreement. We wish to remain part of the euro.

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