Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Mar atá a fhios ag an Taoiseach, labhair muid faoi dhúnmharú Rónán Kerr níos luaithe agus dúirt mé go seasann Sinn Féin leis an Rialtas agus go bhfuilimid uilig le teaghlach Rónán Kerr ag an uair bhrónach dheacair seo. Bhí mé sa Tuaisceart Dé Domhnaigh agus inné ag obair le Máirtín Mac Aonghusa agus daoine eile agus táimid go han-soiléir go bhfuil pobal na tíre in éadan an dhúnmharaithe sin.

It is appropriate that the Government has allocated time for a debate on the murder of Ronan Kerr. We discussed this matter earlier on Question Time. It is of the utmost importance that we should continue to make it clear that we stand in opposition to this murder and that we stand with the Kerr family. During the statements that will follow the Order of Business, we will have the opportunity to spell out our views in detail and to chart a way forward.

I wish to ask the Taoiseach about the ongoing economic situation. In the recent general election campaign, he clearly stated that the current EU-IMF bailout deal is bad for Ireland and bad for Europe, that the financial markets are closed to Ireland principally because investors are concerned that any further capital injections into the banks will sink the economy and that the bailout plan would not restore confidence in Ireland because at its heart is a commitment to continue the failed banking policies of the Fianna Fáil-Green Party Government. The Taoiseach made these comments only a few short weeks ago. However, he has taken every opportunity - in this Chamber, at meetings at European level and at various summits - to state that he is committed to the EU-IMF deal.

I do not understand what kind of negotiating position this represents. It strikes me as ridiculous for the Taoiseach to continually give away his negotiating position. Many individuals have informed me that it is totally unacceptable that he is doing the exact opposite to that to which he committed only a few short weeks ago. The Irish people are being obliged to pay for that. Will the Taoiseach explain this departure and will he throw some light on the Government's negotiating stance, le do thoil?

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