Jonathan O'Brien (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

Deputy McGrath asked most of the questions. With regard to how the Department of Finance calculates the structural balance compared with the provisions set out in the Stability and Growth Pact, the Minister referred to negotiations with the Commission. Will the Minister indicate how the negotiations are proceeding? Without pre-empting the outcome, what would be the impact of a failure to reach an agreement?