David Norris (Independent)

I did. I am quoting from the Opinion of the European Central Bank, signed by its director Mr. Jean-Claude Trichet. It is published on the ECB website and marked in good legal fashion — Done at Frankfurt am Main, 24 February 2009.

These are two significant matters, the decision of the Supreme Court in 1997 and the unsolicited view, specifically avoided by the Government, volunteered by the European Central Bank because of the seriousness of the issues of principle involved. I urge the Government to be very careful in this regard.

I am not just trying to pick off a small amount of money, but trying to ensure we act in alignment with the treaty obligations into which this country voluntarily entered. It is clear to me there was no proper consultation with the authority, but that this legislation is being imposed, despite the grave suspicions regarding its legality or the political advisability of taking this step.