Jim D'Arcy (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note the prominent role the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, is taking in the discussions in Europe, and how highly respected he is and how people value his guidance in these matters. In relation to Greece, it appears what will probably happen is that people from all sides of the political spectrum who act with good authority will effectively work as a national government to bring through the structural reforms that are necessary so that Greece can begin to move forward. It is not because of austerity that Greece is in the trouble it is in at present, but because of the failure of successive Governments to bring through the necessary structural reforms. There is no point in raising taxes, for example, if one is not collecting those taxes. I, along with other speakers, such as Senator Michael Mullins, wish the Greeks well. They are very much a part of the EU and very much a part of the euro. We must remember that although Greece voted "No" in the referendum, at the same time 80% of Greeks said they wished to stay in the euro. Let us hope that we can have a new beginning in Greece where the Government and the parliamentarians work with good authority.

It is not the time for a debate while negotiations are going on. We do not debate the negotiations.