Mark Dearey (Green Party)

I agree, in some respects, with Senator Fitzgerald that a debate is necessary on the implications of the measures to protect Economic and Monetary Union which were announced at the weekend. One of the assurances provided during the second referendum campaign on the Lisbon treaty was that it would not pave the way for European Union interference in Ireland's tax affairs. Another such assurance was related to our fiscal independence. It was these assurances that many of us who are currently Members of the House highlighted for the people during the referendum campaign. If there is to be a measure of fiscal union in order to protect monetary union, the logical conclusion one must reach is that another referendum will be required.