David Cullinane (Sinn Fein)

I will forgive the interruptions. If we vote "No" in the referendum, what choices will be left open to us in the context of the ESM treaty? Regardless of the way in which the people vote, what will be the process for the implementation of that treaty in the aftermath of the referendum?

The Minister of State referred to the very important and forthcoming anniversary of the 1916 Rising. He said that as we move towards 2016 we will hopefully get back into the bond markets, reclaim our sovereignty and achieve everything the Government has stated it wishes to achieve. It will be interesting to see whether any of this happens. The 1916 Proclamation refers to "cherishing all of the children of the nation equally" and to the nation having control over its affairs and destiny. Giving more powers to Europe, the European Commission and the European Court of Justice in respect of how we run our budgets, etc., runs contrary to what is contained in the Proclamation. All the children of the nation have not been cherished equally in response to the economic crisis. I do not believe anyone could raise his or her hand and state that there is anything fair about what has been done. The reality is that not one of those who were responsible - be they bankers, developers or whatever - for the huge mess that has created massive economic distress for working families has been imprisoned.

Will the Minister of State spell out in clear terms what will be the process in respect of the ESM funding? Will he outline his view on what will be the Government's approach if the people vote "No" in the referendum and if we are obliged to then make a choice on the ESM treaty?