Rónán Mullen (Independent)

I express concern about the third leak of a sensitive report on the Irish economy from Germany's Parliament in just over six months which the European Commission has described as "extremely regrettable, unfortunate and irresponsible". I do not wish to draw inappropriate comparisons, but students of history will remember how Bismarck adjusted the wording of a particular telegram, the Ems telegram, in order to heighten tensions between France and Germany in the run-up to the Franco-Prussian War. I am not trying to cast aspersions on the intent in this case, but the Germans should know their history and the German Parliament should know that this kind of thing is not conducive to good relationships between countries, particularly at a time when Germany holds the whip hand to such a degree in Europe and people are concerned about the "Germanisation" of European policy. Smaller countries, in particular, are understandably sensitive that they find themselves in a position of vulnerability where their financial and economic affairs are now subject to scrutiny in foreign parliaments. That is all the more reason parliamentarians should act with responsibility and decorum. This is not only extremely regrettable but also potentially very harmful to this country's interests, the interests of the European Union as a whole and the necessary harmony between member states at a time of crisis. Mr. Dan O'Brien, writing in The Irish Times today, makes the valid point that if there had been such leaks in the run-up to the Belfast Agreement, no agreement would have been possible. Three times is three times too many. The Government must take the lead in communicating its views, not just to the European Union and the European Commission but also to the German Government and ask it to communicate its displeasure at what has happened for a third time to the German Parliament. I hope there will be an end to the leaks.