Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 8 to 12, inclusive, together. The economic management council has met eight times so far this year, most recently on Tuesday, 14 February. Since the economic management council has the status of a Cabinet committee, the confidentiality of discussions at the management council are protected by the Constitution. In line with long-standing practice, it is not appropriate to answer questions about proceedings at the council and the agendas of future meetings.

Members of the council met with representatives of the three largest banks last Tuesday, 21 February to discuss a range of issues of concern, including small and medium enterprise lending. This follows up on a similar meeting held on 9 November last.

The Cabinet committee on climate change and the green economy has met twice in the past year, on 30 June and 20 December 2011. I expect this committee to meet on a regular basis as we develop policies to meet our challenging emissions reductions targets for the period to 2020.

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