Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

We support this Bill as it is necessary, although it is not perfect. My main concern is that I do not know whether our Government and other governments are doing enough to advance solutions to finally resolve this matter. There have been suggestions involving eurobonds, common banking regulation and a common fiscal set-up within the European Union, or at least the eurozone. These are not being pushed enough and the people who need to be persuaded are not being convinced. A job could be done in this respect with the aim of solving this crisis.

Even if eurobonds were introduced, I suspect the legislation would be similar and Sinn Féin would argue the Irish people should not pay German or Spanish debts. The reality of such bonds is that we would all be liable for the debts of everyone else. There may be a net benefit to us but I am certain of the opinions of Sinn Féin and those who have consistently opposed the European project. The Labour Party initially opposed Europe but came on board, and the Green Party did likewise. There is no doubt Sinn Féin will come on board, just as it did with Mr. McGuinness shaking the Queen's hand. The party was a year late in that respect.