Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

The most important issue facing us is the European situation and it is crucial that we have a full debate on it. The story on the front page of The Wall Street Journal today noted the Central Bank was considering printing punts again. We need a debate on what is happening, what the Government negotiating position is and whether we have put anything forward.

There is a lot of talk about treaty change and avoiding the need for a referendum, which I do not accept. If the Government does something that is unconstitutional it does not need a treaty to make it unconstitutional. It could decide to do something to give more scrutiny to Europe which would be unconstitutional and unacceptable. It should be put to the people in a referendum regardless of whether the treaty is changed. The most important thing is that the Taoiseach does the best job possible, which is to put a sterling defence of Ireland and Europe's interests, and not just the interests of the biggest states. It is important that the Leader set aside time for a debate on that issue.