Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In reply to Deputy Boyd Barrett's question, there is no change in attitude. The Government made it perfectly clear what we wanted to see was an adjustment in the terms and conditions of the package and there is neither a change in tone nor attitude. It is a question of focusing on the problem the country faces and the options we consider are important in being able to deal with that. I do not want to blame the electorate in Germany, France or any other country for their attitude as that is their business and none of mine. Our concern is not only in respect of our own country, people and financial position but also as part of the European Union of 500 million people and the potential this allows.

Deputy Higgins' comment in respect of the Minister for Finance is again incorrect and he needs to check the context in which he quotes that comment.

There was quite a deal of discussion at the eurozone meeting on the introduction of a no-fly zone in respect of the unfolding events in Libya. People were very concerned at the slaughter and threatened slaughter of innocent civilians. When I was in America last week and this became a reality, President Obama made it perfectly clear that US troops would not be deployed in Libya and that the no-fly zone was based on the sanction of the United Nations Security Council by vote. On that basis, measures have been taken to prevent the wilful slaughter of innocent people in Libya.

See this speech in context