Paul Bradford (Fine Gael)

As has often been stated in this House, we have a significant role to play in debating the broader issues of our involvement with the European Union, European policy making and initiatives Europe can take to assist us with job creation and putting our country back to work. It is not all about yesterday's treaty or a once-off meeting. The entire European concept is ongoing and moving and we must play our part in that.

I remind my colleagues that this Tuesday last year the then Taoiseach, former Deputy Brian Cowen, asked the President to dissolve the Dáil. At that stage our country was not only broken economically but morale was at an all-time low. There were huge doubts about our reputation here and abroad. Difficult decisions have been taken in the intervening 12 months and every man, woman and child has suffered financially as a result of those decisions. However, our country is changing and things have become a little more positive. There is hope. We have travelled a slow, steady but important journey in the 12 months since the dissolution of the Dáil this time last year. Let us hope progress can continue. Ultimately, the prime target is to get our people back to work. The European treaty, the European Union and all of us have a part to play in that regard.