Dan Boyle (Green Party)

This House would be well served by an early debate on what is happening in Greece and the risks posed by the current situation there. However, this issue must be put in context. There was a news report today that President Obama had telephoned Chancellor Angela Merkel to ask for quick and decisive action to be taken. Obviously, there is international concern that this situation could bring us back from the progress achieved nationally and internationally. It is important that Members understand this context. That said, this time last year, they were discussing Ireland's relationship with international bond markets when our Government bonds were selling at a rate below that of Greek bonds. One must, therefore, acknowledge that some of the actions the Government has taken have been correct and put Ireland in a better position than other countries which are in similar difficulties.

As for the calls for a debate on unemployment, I would like Members to have a debate on enterprise. While walking into Leinster House today, I met a young businessman from Cork who was carrying two boxes of biscuits he had put into a van at 6 a.m. to deliver to Kilkenny Design. He told me that in the course of the last two months his business was improving. Two or three people are involved in the business which offers high-end quality products. One must identify such examples where things are happening, even though logic dictates otherwise. Such persons should be supported and encouraged, as doing so will provide many of the answers needed to solve the more serious problem of long-term unemployment. I ask Members to agree that, when such a debate takes place, this is how it should be focused. It should be structured on enterprise, rather than the continuing high levels of unemployment, about which the Opposition parties appear to wish to talk.