Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I wish to comment on the protest involving students which took place yesterday, the events that occurred outside the Department of Finance and the comments that have been make in respect of the latter. It has been frequently stated in this House that the future of our country depends on the attitude and skills of young people. I witnessed at first hand objects being thrown at the front gates of Leinster House and I saw many hundreds of people galvanising themselves very strongly and, in some cases, violently. Yesterday, a certain part of a peaceful protest was taken over by those who have no priority other than to do damage and cause disruption. These individuals do not have an interest in the legitimate issue that was the subject of the protest.

What happened yesterday was just another manifestation of the aching despair that is going through the marrow of our country at present. In that context, I refer to the comments that were made earlier on "Morning Ireland" and, more significantly, the BBC by someone who appears to be a respected analyst. If she is not so respected, she certainly represents an organisation to which people listen.

She said she could not see any way Ireland could avoid accessing the European rescue fund.

We are having a discussion today on how our sovereignty can be best conducted and represented. Another organisation which is listened to said it does not believe our sovereignty will be intact by the middle of next year. That is not acceptable to our country and it should not be acceptable to any political party in this State that a comment like that can be made. The message must go out that not only will the Government take any steps that are necessary to ensure that does not happen but any future Government, regardless of its composition, will do the same.