Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

I join with others in calling for an early debate to discuss the prospective implications of tonight's meeting of the ECOFIN Ministers. Amidst the international media and market driven uncertainty, some facts remain exactly the same: the deficit is €19 billion, the budget will be on 7 December and irrespective of what is stated in the House today or what goes on in Brussels this evening the sun will come up for the Irish people tomorrow morning. As many Members on the other side of the House have stated, it is time that people are absolutely resilient and confident in their own ability to ensure that whatever needs to be done will be done. There is no question the level of uncertainty of recent times has been intolerable for all to contemplate and put up with. However, the energies of this and the other House must be focused on the contents of the upcoming budget. Rather than playing our part in maintaining and prolonging the international market and media-driven uncertainty, let us provide the leadership about which all Members have spoken and for which we all yearn and begin talking about how we, as representatives of the people, will ensure this House will play its part in making savings of €6 billion to meet the 3% target. It remains to be seen whether the liquidity crisis within the banking community and the international crisis for the euro will be dealt with tonight by a series of funds being made available to Ireland or whether they will be dealt with by means of an international fund to be made available to banks throughout the eurozone. The facts that remain in the control of the Members of these Houses have not changed, despite the irrational moves of the international markets as described in the recent weeks by the head of the Central Bank. Rather than play a part in the frenzy throughout the day, let us focus on the things we can control.

On a more light-hearted note, it would be remiss of the Houses of the Oireachtas not to extend congratulations to Sligo Rovers and Shamrock Rovers for a fantastic display of soccer for the people to see. I am sure the Leader will send a message to Sligo Rovers.