Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael)

I note that it is reported that divergent views have been expressed by Cabinet Ministers on when to hold the referendum on the fiscal compact treaty. While that is understandable, I urge the Leader to express to the Taoiseach the necessity for holding the referendum at an early date, and in any event not later than the end of May. We must put this question to the people as soon as possible, consequent to getting out the relevant information to inform public debate and pass the treaty.

As the only English speaking country in the eurozone, we are uniquely placed at present to attract foreign direct investment such as the 1,000 PayPal jobs which are coming to Dundalk. In order to stay at the heart of the euro, passing this treaty and showing our full constitutional commitment to the fiscal compact, as Senator Darragh O'Brien has said, would be a wise course of action.