John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

I join other speakers who spoke about the recapitalisation of the banks. I am conscious of the fact that Bank of Ireland has a very successful bond issue. The triple A rating granted to that issue stemmed from the fact that the Government had given the bank a guarantee. The banks are clear that they do not require recapitalisation but the fact that there is no liquidity in the market and that they have opted for the basal rate in having reserves higher than they had before the market difficulties means that they are taking money out of the system. This should be examined.

Can the Minister of State responsible for European affairs be invited to the House, particularly given that a second referendum on the Lisbon treaty may be held in the new year? We should consider obtaining declarations from the European Union. Such declarations were lacking during the first campaign and, while they would not allay the fears of all the electorate, they would allay the fears of some of those who decided they could not vote in favour of the treaty. The declarations are necessary and would make a significant difference to the campaign and people's attitudes. I refer, in particular, to strongly held Irish beliefs regarding certain social issues such as abortion. It is feared measures in respect of these issues might be imposed on us, although the European Union has consistently stated this will not occur. The Union should make a declaration stating it will not impose such measures, including in respect of military neutrality. It would be of significant benefit if this message were sent to the Minister of State.