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Dáil
‹ Order of Business

Debate on the Greek crisis

Summary

Peter Mathews presses for a Dáil debate on Greece and the future of Europe before the summer recess, despite repeated rulings that the subject is outside the Order of Business. The Taoiseach says no debate has been committed, though the Government hopes the European situation will be addressed by the weekend.

The existential crisis in Europe for 28 member nations is becoming increasingly intense and acute and the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance are there. Last Sunday's result from the Greek referendum showed-----

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Sorry, where are we going, Deputy? On promised legislation, thank you.

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We may have legislation rushed through in the next week.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

No, this is the Order of Business. I have told you about 20 times. We cannot have a debate about what happens in Greece on the Order of Business. Ask a question-----

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It is not about what happens in Greece. I have said-----

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

That is not in order.

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This is unbelievable. It is affecting-----

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

It is not unbelievable.

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-----28 member nations, of which we are one.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Yes and that is grand, but this is the Order of Business.

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The Taoiseach may be getting on a plane next weekend to deal with the existential survival of the European project.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Yes.

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And you want to shut me up.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

On the Order of Business, yes.

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Deputy Mathews was over there last week.

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The Order of Business will include what may happen next-----

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

No, just read Standing Orders.

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Is this place really out of touch with what is going on?

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Thanks very much. If you are not going to listen to me I will call Deputy Lawlor.

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Deputy Mathews was over there last week.

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When is the debate going to be?

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Which debate?

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That is fair enough.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Is there a debate due on Greece?

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There should be.

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On the future of Europe.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

If the Deputy resumes his seat I will ask the Taoiseach to reply.

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Normally there is a debate before a summit.

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This is unbelievable.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Will you resume your seat, please? Taoiseach, is there a debate?

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

No, there is no debate.

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All of the parliaments will rise in a couple of weeks' time and Europe may be out of control with nobody at the tiller.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

Please resume your seat and I will ask the Taoiseach to reply to your question.

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

There is no debate committed to here-----

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

-----but the Government is very much aware of what is happening. Following the many eurozone group meetings of Ministers for Finance in the past fortnight, last evening's meeting did bring clarity to a number of issues-----

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

That is fine, but are we having a debate?

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Enda Kenny The Taoiseach Fine Gael

There is no debate promised, but I hope that by the weekend the matter spoken about by Deputy Mathews can be dealt with.

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Should we not have one?

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Surely to God we should have a debate.

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Will the Taoiseach put it on the agenda, please?

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Deputy Mathews has a point.

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We will rise on the 16th.

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Seán Barrett An Ceann Comhairle Fine Gael

I think you have made your point.

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That is in eight days. Please put on a debate.

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