Thomas Byrne (Fianna Fail)

The €5 billion figure came from Ministers, Deputies Rabbitte and Howlin. Senator Clune earlier claimed there was an agreement to pay down debt through privatisation. There is no such agreement in the memorandum of understanding. A study into the matter was called for in the troika agreement originally with the previous Fianna Fáil Government. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, has stated on the record of the Dáil that he is not apportioning blame as to who is responsible for privatisation because he wants it as it is Fine Gael policy. Fine Gael is now implementing that policy with the help and support of the Labour Party without any pressure from the troika or our international partners.