Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail)

I refer to the fiscal compact treaty and the summit discussions which continued into the early hours of the morning. The news has come from the summit that there will be no changes adopted to the treaty prior to its full implementation across the eurozone. This is important because it sends a very clear message to the Irish electorate as it prepares to vote next week. The other clear message stems from last night's news from the National Treasury Management Agency in response to questions put in the Dáil by the Fianna Fáil spokesperson on finance, Deputy Michael McGrath. That organisation is charged with the responsibility of obtaining money outside the country to fund public services here. Effectively, if we vote "No" next week, it is almost unavoidable that Ireland will not be in a position to obtain money in international bond markets. That should send a clear message to the people that we need the stability that will be provided by the European treaty and access to the ESM, should we need to access the funds available after 2014. Therefore, it is incumbent on the Taoiseach to engage in a public debate on the national airwaves before the referendum to outline its importance to the people. He is the leader of the "Yes" campaign. Our party leader, Deputy Micheál Martin, is available to debate the treaty. He has not received any assurance from the Taoiseach or, indeed, the leader of Sinn Féin, to engage in such a public debate on RTE, which has a public obligation to provide for such a debate. The Taoiseach should reflect on his position over the next 24 hours and engage in a debate early next week.

Students preparing for leaving certificate examinations will be affected by this morning's comments by the Higher Education Authority that it will issue a report over the summer months that could lead to student registration fees increasing to at least €5,000, with additional charges also proposed, to fund higher education. This is alarming. If the proposal is accepted by the Government, it will be in stark contrast to what the Minister for Education and Skills said before the general election, when he categorically ruled out the introduction of third level fees. Those words now ring hollow. Will the Minister implement the recommendations of the Higher Education Authority or not?

It was announced today that Hewlett Packard is to reduce its global workforce of 350,000 by approximately 30,000, which is an 8% reduction. There are currently 4,000 employees in Hewlett Packard companies in Ireland. What discussions has the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, had with the company? Has he met or had any contact with the company, and if not, why not? I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to ask the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation to come to the Chamber and enlighten us as to the discussions that have taken place to date. Some 4,000 Irish people are worrying as to whether their jobs are secure.