merrion street

The Minister of State for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD, has told the Dáil this morning that none of the clauses of the Stability Treaty should cause any concern for Ireland.

Speaking on the Thirtieth Amendment of the Constitution Bill 2012, the Minister said:

“What this Treaty will do is to level the playing field, so that all Member States – whether large or small, or from North or South – will in future be held to account, just like everyone else. Such a development is good news for Ireland. That is why the Government has signed up to this Treaty and it is the reason why we are actively advocating for the ratification by our people in the referendum on 31 May”

The Minister spoke of Ireland’s small open, trading economy and the importance of sound public finances to that economy:

“This Government is tackling Ireland’s problems. Unlike others, we realise what needs to be done and are not hiding our heads in the sand. As I said that the outset of my intervention, wishing away our unsustainable financial position, will not make it go away. It is only through determined action now that we will get back on track.”

“This is just as true in Europe as it is in Ireland. That is what the Stability Treaty is about. That is why it is a necessary step in the process of restoring confidence and stability.”

“Restoring stability to the euro is a critical step in extracting ourselves from our current predicament and maintaining the growing confidence in our economic recovery. The Treaty will play an important part in that effort.”