Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I support the call for a debate on the European crisis. We are in uncharted waters and a turbulent period in European history. The nation is vulnerable and its survival depends on the European Union. We are at a critical juncture and the people need clarity on what is occurring and how the European Union will deal with the exclusion of Britain in the latest chapter. The ongoing debate in Britain is interesting. A substantial majority of the British people realise the importance of the European Union and that everyone's future depends on it. To a large extent, two world wars were fought in Europe. This is a third war, namely, an economic war. The future of Ireland depends on the European Union. Ireland and the Union are intrinsically linked. Senators, including Senator Colm Burke, have suggested we spent two days each month discussing European affairs. We need an urgent debate on the future of the European Union, our future therein and how to ensure a steady course is charted through these murky waters.