Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I thank the Deputy for his question. I am well aware of the responsibility that is on my shoulders as I deal with this critical issue on behalf of our country. The Deputy cannot have it both ways. He cannot question my commitment to where I will be on the rate in the future and then infer that the commitment is not there when I am willing to step outside of the current consensus. My commitment to our rate is attested by the decision I am taking to not be part of a consensus at the moment. That is proof of my commitment to standing over our rate and proof of my commitment to doing what I believe is necessary to protect it in the future. Of course I am aware that making any such change would require legislative change through a Finance Bill. As I have said, beyond words the actions of where I stand at the moment and my willingness to be outside the current consensus make clear my commitment to doing all that is necessary to stand by where we are.