Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail)

I wish to add to the point made by Senator Darragh O'Brien about the fiscal treaty. Separate from the European day on 10 May, will the Leader arrange a debate in the House on the report of the Sub-committee on the Referendum on the Intergovernmental Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union? The sub-committee was chaired by Deputy Dominic Hannigan, who did a very good job. I was a member of the sub-committee and many Members participated in its work. It is important that following the publication of the report, around 14 or 15 May, the Leader would give an opportunity for every Member of the House, both for and against the treaty, to discuss it. He should also allocate enough time for the debate. It will not be necessary to have a Minister present because it could be seen to be biased in a certain way. There are enough voices in this House, on both sides of the referendum, that are knowledgeable on this issue to have a very good debate. I strongly recommend it as it would be good use of this House. It is essential.

If one votes "No", one is turning one's back on the availability of funding in the future. It is guaranteed funding.