26 Apr 2012, 18:30
An Taoiseach Enda Kenny TD today outlined to an Oireachtas Sub-Committee on the EU Fiscal Treaty was crucial to restoring stability to the Euro and confidence in Ireland.
At a meeting of the Oireachtas Sub-Committee on the Fiscal Treaty Referendum, the Fine Gael leader argued that, while the Treaty was not an end in itself, it was an essential part of the journey to economic recovery.
Chairman of the Sub-Committee Dominic Hannigan TD says: “We thank the Taoiseach for a clear and candid address on the merits of the Treaty.
“The Taoiseach reminded us that there are now just 34 days between now and referendum day on 31 May and the government was intent on using the time to conduct a strong and vigorous campaign.
“Much of today’s debate centred on access to the European Stability Mechanism funding, with the Taoiseach outlining why a Yes vote would bolster Ireland’s credibility with the markets. In robust exchanges with Committee Members, Deputy Kenny argued that Ireland’s recovery required the backstop of ESM funding, which would be jeopardised in the event of a No vote.”
Following the address by An Taoiseach, Jonas Sjöstedt MP of the Swedish Left Party addressed the Sub-Committee. His party oppose the ratification of the EU Fiscal Treaty in Sweden.
Deputy Hannigan TD continues: “Sweden, despite being outside the euro-zone, has agreed to ratify the Fiscal Treaty. Mr Sjöstedt and his party oppose the ratification and, reflecting on Sweden’s banking crisis in the early 1990s, explained that a Fiscal Treaty during that period would have inhibited his country’s capacity to recover.
Mr Sjöstedt also expressed deep reservations about the system underpinning the Eurozone. Today’s meeting builds on engagement of the Sub-Committee in recent weeks with parliamentarians of a wide range of opinion from across Europe.”
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ENDS
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Sub-Committee Membership
Deputies
Dominic Hannigan, TD (Chairman)
Paschal Donohoe, TD (Vice-Chairman)
Timmy Dooley, TD
Bernard J Durkan, TD
Colm Keaveney, TD
Seán Kyne, TD
Pádraig Mac Lochlainn, TD
Joe O’Reilly, TD
Mick Wallace, TD
Senators
Colm Burke,
Fidelma Healy Eames,
James Heffernan,
Terry Leyden,
Kathryn Reilly