Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

With regard to the letters mentioned, which we anticipate will be released today, irrespective of the banking inquiry of which I am a member they should be debated in the House. We should have a general debate not on advocating withdrawal, but certainly our participation in the euro. One of the many reasons for our economic collapse, in my view, was the fact that we had 8% growth levels with 2% money available. We are already beginning to see it again, and while it is welcome because we are coming from such a low base we have 0% money coming into financial institutions and 6% growth rates forecast for next year. As a result of how the European Central Bank does its business, interest rates will never be where we need them to be because they focus on inflationary concerns rather than economic concerns. We need to debate this and it needs to be considered.

In asking the Leader to rearrange a debate on Irish Water, five minutes per speaker was not acceptable. A longer period of time was required. What the Minister, as a former Member of the House, had to say yesterday was welcome and a breath of fresh air. As somebody who is now a member of the Executive, we will see whether he can walk the talk. With regard to the constant interruptions during my address, I am long enough here to be able to accept them. I support robust debate and participate in it. I make no apologies for it. If the debate was not long enough for colleagues, the matter should be raised with the Leader rather than with somebody who participated in the debate yesterday.