No vote may help us get better terms on bank debts

According to Mr Éamon Ó Cuiv in the Dáil, Ireland and other EU members are expected to approve three treaties, including the Fiscal Compact Treaty.

The first is an amendment to the treaties governing the European Communities to add reference to the European Stability Mechanism. It requires unanimous approval by EU members. The other two treaties cannot proceed without the first.

The second treaty is to create the European Stability Mechanism and the third is the Fiscal Compact Treaty, upon which voters will decide. Both of these can proceed if ratified by a majority of EU members. Yet again, Ireland will be voting on behalf of 350m-plus people across Europe.