Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

-----each worker who now pays more income tax, more levies and more charges is paying for the consequences of the Government's ineptitude and the disastrous deal that was struck.

The central question I asked the Taoiseach was whether he now accepts it is possible to renegotiate this agreement and get a better deal for Ireland. I recognise the point made by the Minister for Finance that everyone must agree but my question is whether the Taoiseach accepts it is possible to get a better deal. I am sure that each Deputy's office is being contacted by hundreds of people stating they are between €20 and €100 per week worse off than was the case last year. The reason for this is that the truth now is dawning on people that the impact of this deal is affecting their pockets each week. I again ask the Taoiseach this question in the light of this U-turn by the Minister for Finance, who has followed those Members of the Opposition who have called for a better deal. Does the Taoiseach accept that given the political negotiations that can take place, it is possible to get a better deal on this interest rate, "Yes" or "No"?

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