Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

In view of the urgent need to hold a general election, consensus was reached on the procedure relating to the adoption of the Finance Bill. Those on the opposite side of the House have sought such a consensus for some time. We are in something of a political vacuum because we do not know if the Dáil will pass Second Stage of the Bill.

The urgent need for a change of Government cannot be underestimated. In Washington on St. Patrick's Day, we will have the opportunity to begin rebuilding the image of this country in the United States. Negotiations will also be taking place at the highest level in Brussels, when the European Council meets to discuss the rescue arrangements relating to the banks in Europe. Effectively, the latter will involve a renegotiation of the EU-IMF bailout for this country and the interest rates relating thereto. It is ironic that later today we will be taking statements——