David Norris (Independent)

I have a question which I wish to address to the House, the Leader, the Cathaoirleach and the Government. Are we going to be a Europe of the people or a Europe of the banks? We have heard a great deal about reassurance. It has been stated that we must reassure the banks, the bondholders and our European neighbours, several of which have taken the opportunity to stab us in the back now that we are in difficulty. It has also been suggested - most laughably of all - that we must reassure the discredited ratings agencies. When will this country, the Parliament, the Government and the European Union reassure the Irish people? The latter are the only ones who have not been given reassurance.

The psychological atmosphere in this country has been poisoned by fear, distrust and uncertainty. Meanwhile we are negotiating - very painfully apparently - for a loan which will be used to repay the bondholders and the banks. The latter are lending us money in order that we can repay them and they are of the opinion that we should be grateful for this. It has been stated that Austria and a number of other countries have raised questions with regard to our 12.5% rate of corporation tax. I stated some time ago that it was dangerous to base an economy on fragile things of this nature. However, this is not the time to discuss that matter.

I have just come from a very interesting meeting relating to rural Ireland at which Senator Leyden was also present. Those who addressed the meeting indicated that they had engaged in consultations throughout the country. The final item on the agenda related to an attitude survey, which indicated that 90% of people believe that good neighbours are the most important thing in life. Where are Ireland's neighbours? It is as if we had been burgled and the neighbours are coming in to provide assistance and make cups of tea. When inside, they say things such as "I loaned you those curtains five years ago. Can I have them back?", "That is my lawn-mower" and "That is the chair my granny gave me". That is what is happening at present and a stop should be put to it.

Reference has been made to confidence. I do not retain any confidence in the system. What is being perpetrated is a confidence trick on the people who are paying for what has happened. Those to whom I refer are entitled to an explanation, to reassurance and to be informed, in clear and direct terms, with regard to what is happening.