The decision to put the Memorandum of Understanding between the Irish Government and the EU / IMF to Dáil Éireann for approval is a welcome development.

“A Dail debate on the issue will give the members of Fine Gael, Labour and Sinn Fein the opportunity to show what if any alternatives they have to put to the Irish People.

The arrangements with the European Union, the European Central Bank, EU partners will give Ireland access to the funding needed to keep our health, education and our welfare services going until such time as the national finances are back on a sound footing.

In spite of the importance of the funding arrangements the members of the opposition parties have been playing political games in an attempt to score political points.  They have even attempted to undermine the funding arrangements by questioning their legitimacy.

Sinn Fein has been huffing and puffing about challenging the agreement in the courts. It is of course welcome that Sinn Fein recognises our courts and Constitution but it is interesting that it has not brought any challenge forward.  Not wanting to be put offside by Sinn Fein the Labour Party has made similar threats but dropped them as soon as the cheap headlines had been secured.

The funding arrangements and the 'Memorandum of Understanding' that gives them effect have been put in place legally, legitimately and in the national interests of this country.  

Fine Gael, the Labour Party and Sinn Fein continue to try to make the public believe that there is another, easier, way out of the country’s funding crisis.

The debate in Dáil Éireann next Wednesday will for once give the Opposition the opportunity to spell out their alternative.

As the Taoiseach has said “debating and supporting a motion in the Dáil will also give certainty to the international community that the deal has been confirmed by the parliament, that the country is doing what needs to be done to repair its public finances and that Ireland is up to the challenge.”

It will give the Opposition the opportunity to either 'put up or shut up’" Minister Roche said.