Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I have not seen the terms of Deputy Martin's motion. When on that side of the House, we put down a motion in respect of corporate tax rates as sending out a signal from the Parliament of how important it is for Ireland. I fully support the principle. I would like to see the wording of the motion. I would consider there will not be any difference of opinion about it.

In respect of bond holders, we made it clear during the course of the election campaign and in the programme for Government that there should be no further moneys put into the banks beyond what is already committed until we see how that responsibility is to be shared. Those are the discussions that are taking place at present.

Irrespective of changed views from Europe, as I made the point on many occasions, it is grossly unfair to expect the Irish taxpayer to have to pay fully for the cause of reckless banking, which happened over the years and which culminated in an agreement by the Government of which Deputy Martin was a member. There are serious difficulties being encountered by ordinary people in respect of the consequences of this. That is the focus of our attention, to get a better deal for the Irish taxpayer in respect of the IMF-EU deal.

All of these issues are now being discussed and considered. Hopefully, by Friday week we will be in a much clearer position arising from some of the works that are ongoing with the stress tests on the banks to have some greater clarity as to the true level of indebtedness.

See this speech in context