Joe O'Toole (Independent)

People must explain these matters to the electorate. That is the reality. We now need to examine how we will take the matter forward. We will discuss it this afternoon and I will put forward my views on how to proceed, what issues must be sorted out and what our agenda on Europe should be in the future. We must work our way through it.

The issue raised by Senator Fitzgerald is crucial. It would be an absolute disaster if the debate on the Lisbon treaty were to overshadow the extraordinary economic difficulties we are facing at present. I ask the Leader to allocate a full day as soon as possible to discuss the economy. The issues concern not only cutbacks but all aspects of the economy. I would like if the Minister for Finance or the Taoiseach were to come into the House and tell us how bad or how good is the situation and outline what course of action can be taken. Let us hear it and let us make decisions, particularly for those of us who are neither in Government nor members of the Opposition. We want to be in a position where we have all the information and can recognise and evaluate proposals and decisions. That is crucially important. I call for a debate on the economy as soon as possible.