David Norris (Independent)

I note that there is a constricted opportunity for people to talk about the fiscal treaty. I support Senator Mullins and ask again for a general debate on the economy. It seems perfectly clear to me that market capitalism, in its present form, is in a state of collapse. It simply is not serving the interests of the people. In our country we have the kind of situation in Galway airport in which I agree, elective surgery is being cancelled and health contributions are being enormously increased. Anybody who lends even one ear to the wireless will hear voices like the man in Connemara who said he would like to pay but he had no money and cannot pay. A woman whose mother has cancer has not the petrol to visit and must rely on her neighbours to bring her. She burns DVDs and shoes in her grate to keep her children warm. I thank God for the voices of those who, at a meeting in the west of Ireland, said this is all true but we must not just attack the German people but the banks. There should be solidarity around the people. It is notable that the former centres of alleged communism, China and Russia, have now totally given in to monopoly State capitalism. We in the West should counter it by moving to the left, moving on behalf of the people and moving in solidarity with the oppressed. I agree with the commentators that talk about the situation in Athens and say it is appalling to see people, including former professionally employed people, living in cardboard boxes. What more can they do? Where are these people being driven? Who are the dictators? Where is democratic accountability? That is the debate that we need to have in this House and I hope that we can.