Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Sinn Féin's behaviour is notable. It goes to the United States and pretends to be a friend of that country when raising money, yet it goes to incredible lengths to avoid giving offence to Vladimir Putin. When he invaded a partitioned a European country, the sum total of Sinn Féin's criticism was that the Crimean referendum could have been run a bit better. Perhaps the party's new leadership will take the opportunity to break with this lamentable record. Every single person here knows that Russia is responsible for Salisbury as it fits into a pattern of nearly a decade where real and perceived enemies of Putin are killed. It is now incumbent on the Government to follow up this action. It should immediately work with Deputy James Lawless to get his legislation through and to make whatever amendments are required and I welcome what the Taoiseach said yesterday on this. It should take other steps if fears about commercial espionage and sabotage are proven to be correct.

The digital taxation proposal was a superficial proposal, lacking a basic impact assessment.

The only reasonable way to proceed is on the basis of a wider international approach and proper evaluation of different options. We remain concerned at the emerging push for a conservative approach to fiscal policy and economic reforms. An approach which puts restraint and regulation as the core policy will not deliver the growth and progress Europe needs. There should be more ambition on the banking union, on fiscal contributions and on the financial backstop. We again call on the Taoiseach to state clearly what policies he is signing Ireland up for. The only way to protect and build upon the constructive consensus on Europe which has defined the majority position in Irish politics is to return to the tradition of genuine consultations.

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