Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I agree with Senator Twomey that we should have a debate on the euro, although it is not so such a matter of whether we should be in the eurozone. At the time of our entry I argued on behalf of my party that there would be times when, as a nation, we would need an opportunity to be able to change interest rates and control inflation in a certain way and increase money supply. However, for the most part, being within the eurozone has been to our benefit in the current crisis. What euro members need to discuss is the control of interest rate at a figure of approximately 2%. Senator Twomey is right about our needing inflation to a certain degree to work our way out of the crisis. A figure of 4% might be more realistic. As a euro member country, we need to contribute to that debate. As a House of the Oireachtas, it is important that we consider in the current context how that debate might be held at European level. It is important to remember that the Greek junk bonds, as defined by Standard and Poor's, are at the rate of 15.8%, whereas Ireland's are at 5%. That is still below the peak we reached with our own bonds in 2009.

In recognition of the fact that the Natural History Museum reopens today, I ask for a debate on museums in Ireland and their use by the general public. They should be acknowledged and properly resourced by the political system.

We must have a debate on politicisation in the Garda. Yesterday's speech from an outgoing member of the Garda Representative Association executive was serious in that it discussed Government corruption. Whether it exists or not, for it to be said in a public context by a representative body of our gardaí means the claim must be explained, backed up and put through the judicial process. If somebody uses the issue in a political context, it has serious consequences for how the police are perceived in this country. Every member of this House should react to such statements. We should have a debate in the Seanad to ensure discussion does not occur in the wrong context in the rest of the country.