Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

In the context of the national reform programme and targets, does the Taoiseach accept the view of the European Commission, given yesterday, that the most Ireland can hope for growth in 2011 is 0.9%, as opposed to the Government's forecast in the four year plan of 1.75%? The Commission's view yesterday is significantly lower than what the Government set out in its four year plan. Does the Government accept the European Commission's view as stated by Commissioner Olli Rehn on the likely growth forecast?

With regard to the Stability and Growth Pact, will the national reform programme have to be in agreement with it? I asked the Taoiseach about the role of stakeholders specifically referred to in the plan, including national parliaments, Opposition parties and stakeholders in civil society. The reform programme strongly suggests all of these should be consulted. Where stands the reform programme and the four year plan in respect of the European Commission's revised estimate for Irish growth at 0.9% if the four year plan has priority?

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