David Norris (Independent)

I would like to have had an opportunity to debate some things, such as the suggestion that Irish and European law and policy are co-terminous. That is for another day, however, and although it is contentious, it is an interesting idea. I would also like to hear from the Taoiseach whether the special arrangements on the brink of being made for Spain and Italy can be made retrospective for this country. We certainly paid for it and that is unfair on taxpayers.

What concerns me most, however, is that although there is a natural and inevitable emphasis on finance, that should not be exclusive. I am concerned that in 18 pages there was not a single reference to human rights. I say this because I am a member of the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs. The Department of Foreign Affairs has been renamed the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. That is very important but we must not lose sight of human rights. This country has punched above its weight in many areas, but none more so than human rights, including the European Declaration of Human Rights and the establishment of the European Court of Human Rights. We can do it again, so I appeal to the Taoiseach not to lose sight of this.

I have a couple of suggestions to make, including looking at the devastating effect of the ratings agencies and major international financial institutions. They were responsible for this mess, not the Irish government. During the Irish EU Presidency, can we consider the establishment of an international financial court? Such a body could try individuals and organisations for economic crimes against humanity, including the deliberate precipitation of famine for financial profit.