Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

If the Deputies are not going to be serious about it, they are better off saying nothing. They are doing enough harm.

The issue is very simple. We are in discussions with our European counterparts to see how we can assist to ensure that market risks are taken out of the equation. We are not in the market at present. We are seeking to ensure that we underpin stability for the entire euro area, including Ireland because we are part of that area. We are working with others to see what will emerge from the discussions taking place at present.

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