Mary White (Fianna Fail)

I was speaking about the EU. When we became members of the EEC we had to transpose a directive whereby married women could no longer be prevented from taking up employment.

I do not have a problem with people having a different opinion or view to me because this is a democracy. We have had a very stimulating debate and I believe the Irish people have become invigorated by it. I am positive the treaty will be passed. A "Yes" vote is an important step on the road to economic recovery. It will provide stability in our nation's finances. It is mercurial to state we will get the money anyway if we are not at the heart of the action to negotiate. I would prefer for us to be there and that our colleagues are part of the European team. We would have supporters in Europe who would help us if we need more money in the future. The strategy of stating we will get the money some other way is very high risk and nonsense.

We should have stability as a committed member of the eurozone and through our commitment to follow a defined path of recovery. This stability is a prerequisite for global corporations making strategic investment decisions and will help protect Ireland's reputation as the preferred gateway to the European market for overseas investors. Ireland is the gateway to Europe for more than 600 US businesses. These companies have invested €150 billion here to date and employ one in seven of the population. As I stated to the Minister this morning, one of Ireland's successes has been successive Governments consistently supporting foreign direct investment. A change of Government did not mean a swing to the extreme left or extreme right and this stable political Government, no matter what political party was in office, has been a major part of our success.