Mark Dearey (Green Party)

I wish you, a Chathaoirligh, the Clerk and staff of the Seanad a very happy Christmas. I thank them for the welcome they gave me earlier this year when I arrived in the House. I extend those wishes to all the Members opposite and on this side. I have a particular affinity for sound engineers. I wish them, all the technical staff and the people who provide us with the Official Report well.

The domestic economy has not been mentioned this morning and I am afraid the news is not as good as it is in the export sector. I do not wish to rain on the parade, but it is important we acknowledge the need to address strengthening the domestic economy and finding ways in which we can transfer the growth in GNP and GDP to the local economies about which we all so passionately care. I support Senator Ellis in saying that we need to find the most effective mechanism for keeping our streets and roads clear in the week ahead so that people can go about their religious, civic and commercial tasks in what will be another cold spell.

I call for greater support for employers who, I know, are taking wage cuts themselves and yet are not eligible for family income supplement, on which we should have a debate early in the new year. They are very often the first to take the hit in order to protect employees. I am not saying all is rosy and there are some unscrupulous employers, but most are not.

I ask for a definitive statement on the position vis-À-vis the amendment to the Lisbon treaty agreed at the seventh summit this year which, incidentally, Herman Van Rompuy announced by Twitter during the meeting I understand. As I understand it the agreement on the financial stability fund means that last-resort interventions can be made. As it is an intergovernmental facility and does not increase the competencies of the European Union, it therefore does not require us to hold another referendum. There are many on both extremes of the political spectrum who suggest it requires a referendum. If it does, so be it, but if it does not, we need clarity. I call for a statement on that early in the new year.