Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

At a recent European People's Party meeting, which several Heads of Government attended, much concern was expressed about the Greek economic situation and how it had got so far out of line. Germany and France broke the Stability and Growth Pact several years ago. Accordingly, the general feeling was there was little point in imposing financial penalties on a country in serious financial difficulties arising from the condition set out in the pact.

It was reported from the recent European Council meeting that the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel, commented on the possibility of a requirement for a European monetary fund, similar to the International Monetary Fund. As the Taoiseach is aware, this would require another treaty. I do not think anyone here wants to get into that again. What is the Taoiseach's view on this proposal?

In addition to the loans Greece may receive from the IMF, will the Taoiseach inform us as to how much Ireland will be expected to contribute to a bilateral loan for Greece and what conditions will attach to it?

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