Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

It is clear for some time that a new deal is on the table in this regard. I would agree with the Taoiseach's emphasis on the term "clarity". We need clarity on this and on a number of other issues because clarity is essential to economic recovery, in particular, to investor confidence.

I ask the Taoiseach two questions in that context. First, would he support the motion that I intend to bring to the House next week to confirm again to the country, and to Europe and to the world, that there is cross-party political support for our corporation tax strategy and that this unanimous approach in the House has been unaffected by the recent election? There was a similar motion brought before the previous Dáil in November last. That would be an important statement in itself from the newly-elected Dáil.

Second, during the election campaign there was much commentary about burning the bond holders. In Fine Gael's document "Credit Where Credit is Due", there were references - in essence, a pledge - that this may have to happen. I was struck by the comments of the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes. Would the Taoiseach agree with the view of the Minister of State that such a move would be "crazy"?

See this speech in context