Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Like others, I agree fully with Senator Mooney's remarks about the refusal of Mr. Draghi and the European Central Bank to participate in the banking inquiry. We know we have a first-class record as excellent Europeans. We support the euro and all the institutions. The Taoiseach and the Government will have to take this up in the strongest possible manner. I think that needs to happen quickly. The non-participation of Mr. Draghi and the ECB will weaken the inquiry, which cannot be seen to be full and thorough in the absence of people who were so central to the matters under scrutiny. We await developments in early course in this regard.

I agree totally with what the Minister, Deputy Coveney, said this morning on the fisheries issue. I join Senator Mullins in congratulating the Minister on the €123 million package for whitefish fishermen. This issue is close to the hearts of the Leas-Chathaoirleach and everyone else involved in fishing in the area of the Celtic Sea to the south of his constituency. This package is very much to be welcomed.

It has already been mentioned that we could usefully have a debate on the Northern Ireland situation in the new year. The Minister, Deputy Charles Flanagan, and the UK Secretary of State for Northern Ireland have invested a huge amount of time in this process. It is unfortunate that the parties have not yet managed to come to some sort of compromise agreement. I look forward to a debate on the matter at an early stage of the new year.