I would like to send a strong message of congratulations and support to the Greek people on their courage in taking on the bullying apparatus of the European Union and striking a formidable blow for democracy with their resounding "No" vote in the referendum. Despite all the threats, the intervention, the leaks and the bullying, they stood up for democracy. It is a shame that Mr. Varoufakis's head had to be sacrificed, but-----

He can thank his own Prime Minister.

Senator David Norris to continue, without interruption.

I do not mind being interrupted, as I understand the realpolitik. However, it was made very clear by European leaders that they wanted Mr. Varoufakis gone. There is no question or doubt that that is from where the impetus came. There is no vision or leadership in Europe. This is a disaster for the European project. What has happened to the idea of solidarity? I know that it is not fashionable or politically correct to say it, but it is time somebody reminded the Germans that they started two world wars and were penalised heavily through reparations. However, after a number of years, there was a massive debt cancellation, but now they are the ones who will not permit debt cancellation for the Greeks. It is time somebody mentioned their record. The EU negotiators and the principal people involved are anonymous and unelected.

I am not sure if the rumours are true but I have it from a fairly well placed source that at least one of them is so drunk by lunchtime that he is incapable of conducting any afternoon meetings. I wonder why are we paying these people for this kind of behaviour.

With regard to the general situation, national indebtedness all over the globe cannot possibly continue. Tommy Tiernan did a very good skit on this matter some time ago about what happened when somebody owed money to somebody and they always-----

Has the Senator a question for the Leader?

Yes, I want a debate. In the skit somebody else borrowed money, then somebody else borrowed money from him, and on it continued. The conclusion at the end was why not get the last fella and murder him. We cannot do that but we must look at the whole-----

What has a skit got to do with the Order of Business?

The Cathaoirleach will find out in a minute if he stops interrupting me. One cannot continue this indebtedness. Since they went off the gold standard about 85 years ago, money has become a fiction. It is just figures moved around on television screens. It has no relationship to productivity, work or effort. I believe we will have a continuing series of these catastrophes until we look and examine the whole basis of the world economy.