Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

On Senator de Búrca's final point, the group in question is referred to as a "reflective group". There seems to be a suggestion that this group might be somehow undesirable. In that context, one need only consider the achievements of the group chaired by Jim Dooge, former Cathaoirleach of this House. The Dooge report, which was produced by that group, formed the basis of the Single European Act, which transformed the European Union. I accept the Senator's concerns on the issue of balance. However, to suggest that there should not be a reflective group is really to suggest that we should not engage in research on any issue concerning Europe or otherwise. It would be an extremely positive development to have a group of experts to look forward to the end game in respect of the European Union.

Yesterday, I called for a debate on the national debt and the nation's finances. I wish to correct the Leader, who acceded to a debate on the budget, because I requested that the Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, come before the House to engage in a debate on the national debt and the nation's finances. I wish to outline the motivation behind my request. Under the Tallaght strategy put forward by Alan Dukes and in the form of the Government led by John Bruton in the 1990s, we worked hard to get the national finances in order and to reverse the near bankruptcy the country experienced during the Haughey era.