Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

First, I reassure Deputy McDonald that there is no U-turn. The Taoiseach is attending the European Council meeting today. There are serious issues being faced by the country and we find ourselves in difficult economic circumstances; this is allied to the challenging work that must be undertaken to get the country out of its economic difficulties and serious discussions which must take place with European partners and institutions. I am sure every Member in the House would support the Taoiseach in the work he is undertaking today and tomorrow on behalf of this country.

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