Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

Far be it from me to disagree with my friend and colleague, Senator Darragh O'Brien, leader of the Fianna Fáil group in the Seanad, in particular on a day like today when the Government launched its campaign for a "Yes" vote on the treaty. I am delighted the Senator and I are on the same side on this issue. However, with the greatest respect, while I did not hear what the Minister, Deputy Noonan, said I believe the Senator has inadvertently misrepresented him.

We all know that Department of Finance forecasts are predicated on growth prospect figures, which it must work out. It goes without saying that if people vote "No" this will have a damaging effect on our recovery and investor confidence. It is totally understandable-----