Seanad debates

Thursday, 1 March 2012

11:00 am

Photo of Mary WhiteMary White (Fianna Fail)

I have asked the Leader on a number of occasions to ensure the Taoiseach addresses the House and treats Senators properly. Under the 1937 Constitution, Senators are nominated or democratically elected. I ask the Leader, on my behalf, to request that the Taoiseach come before the Seanad to discuss the EU fiscal treaty and inform us about the negotiations in which the Government is engaged with a view to securing a reduction in the €31 billion in promissory notes issued to the Central Bank. I understand such negotiations are ongoing.

Ireland must pass the fiscal treaty. The Fianna Fáil Party was the driving force behind Ireland joining the European Economic Community. When I was doing my leaving certificate we did compositions and discussed the issue, Buntáiste agus míbhuntáiste an chomhargaidh. Ireland is a small country with a population of just 4.4 million. Access to a European market of 300 million people - it has since increased to 500 million people - was the reason multinational companies thronged to this country. We are the only English speaking country in the European Union.

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