Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

Yes. The Government should have put more focus on the household charge, and the issue is becoming a crisis. There is a revolt taking place among the country's citizens, and it is possibly being fuelled by some personnel in RTE, particularly with the "Liveline" programme. RTE is getting most of the €160 per household from the television licence, with no objection on its part, and there was never a campaign about that fee. The licence fee is collected very efficiently by An Post, and it is a good example of how collection of a levy or charge should come about. The Government must reconsider the matter and be reasonable. The collection will not be completed by Saturday and it is very unfair to charge somebody €10 extra if they go in after Saturday. The Government should be realistic.

If the current 30-70 split in payment of the charge remains until 31 May, we are in serious trouble. We must ensure the two issues remain absolutely separate, and in Fianna Fáil we are committed to supporting in every possible way the passing of the referendum on 31 May. There should be no doubt and it is of paramount importance to the national interest that the issue is resolved on 31 May. We should be seen as leading this campaign.

I compliment the Chairman of the committee dealing with European affairs, Deputy Hannigan, and my fellow committee members. We are holding special meetings all next week and during the recess to have detailed discussions with all the interested parties on the fiscal compact. It is a positive action by the committee which shows it is prepared to give the compact the priority it deserves.