Paschal Mooney (Fianna Fail)

This is not about whether there should be a referendum on this treaty: it is about what the people want. During the past 48 hours, every economic and political commentator, including the head of the Central Bank, Professor Honohan, has questioned whether this fiscal compact is in the interests of Ireland. The real debate should be about whether this is in the interests of Ireland. The best way of determining this is to put it before the people, following reasoned debate on the issue.

I ask the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Rabbitte, to come before the House to explain what is going on in relation to hydraulic fracturing here. The national headlines this morning are that Tamboran are to proceed with drilling in north Leitrim. This is a controversial concept, one that has been banned-----