Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

I agree with colleagues who have commented on the need to support the Croke Park deal. One or two mentioned the disaster that befell the country as a result of the vote in the first Lisbon treaty referendum. The Seanad agreed after that vote that there had been insufficient public knowledge and a total lack of political leadership. Unfortunately, we are going down the same route on the Croke Park agreement and politicians are refusing to lead. It is bizarre for any group of politicians to say they do not have an opinion or do not wish to appeal to workers and trade unionists one way or another. We in this House have a duty to hold a proper debate and make our own decision and recommendation. While we have had numerous debates on the Croke Park deal on the Order of Business, we need a substantive debate, today rather than tomorrow. I ask the Leader to arrange that debate in order that we, as elected members of the Oireachtas, can discuss and analyse the deal and present to those who will take part in the crucial vote the many reasons they should support it.

The concept of a national solidarity bond is good; the initial idea came from the trade union movement. However, from the sketchy details I have seen, it appears there will be a very modest return for those willing to invest. I suggest that, as part of the ongoing development of the concept, we try to tie it in-----