Alan Kelly (Tipperary North, Labour) | Oireachtas source

That is another question. After the past few months I am not too sure about that but we will see.

Let us be honest about this matter. Do not forget that I sat here in 2008 when we debated the bank guarantee which was one of the most fundamental nights in the history of this State. I personally think the wrong decision was made and voted against it.

People have put forward arguments in relation to Europe. Last night I read Article 345 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union about the principle of neutrality and these issues. I know that will not satisfy everyone and accept that because people will say circumstances can change and all of that but the principle exists.

I want to convey the following. In reaching this decision, trust me, I did not filter all of this down in a flippant way. I filtered all of this down with my colleagues, and with everyone, in a comprehensive way. I probably spent more time on this matter than on most of the Bill put together, to be honest, because it is a fundamental issue.