Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Aontaím gur chóir go mbeadh cáineadh an-láidir curtha amach ón Teach seo i leith dhúnmharú Rónán Kerr. Mar a dúirt mé, bhí mé ag caint lena mháthair, Nuala, inné agus táim fíor-bhuíoch di as ucht na crógachta agus as ucht an mhisnigh a léirigh sí sa chaoi a labhair sí amach faoi dhúnmharú a mic. Tá súil agam nuair a bheidh mé thuas amárach, in éineacht leis an Chéad-Aire agus an Leas-Chéad Aire agus Teachtaí eile ón Teach seo, gur comhartha láidir a bheidh ann ag éirí as an díospóireacht a bheidh againn inniu agus a rún a rifear go hiomlán ar son gach Teachta sa Dáil seo.

It is not a case of changing our position. The actual position is that we have been dealing with six dysfunctional banks. We proceeded down a path of confusion and uncertainty for a long period and people became completely frustrated by the fact that the previous Government would not provide leadership or point the way towards a point where the country would be in charge of its economic destiny once again. That is why the Government last week made its decisions in respect of the banking sector. This brings clarity and certainty. We will now have two pillar banks which will be the bulwark of the future banking sector in Ireland. That is very clear and gives certainty. This is now recognised internationally and by independent commentators. The ECB, in its statement following the Government's decision about the banking sector, confirmed it will provide ongoing liquidity to the Irish banks, which is of extreme and fundamental importance for business and for confidence in Ireland.

We must rebuild our connections and contacts with our counterparts in Europe. The Tánaiste and all members of the Government will involve themselves in this important work. Our European colleagues understand how important it is, in a European sense, to show flexibility in the path Ireland must follow and will follow. The Deputy is aware that the EU/IMF mission starts today and will last until 15 April. Much of this will consist of technical discussion of the intricacies of the instruments. The Government will discuss elements of the programme for Government, such as the upcoming jobs initiative programme which will have an impact on the indigenous economy. It will stimulate investment and provide confidence so people who have been saving, because of their fear of future uncertainty, will have an opportunity to spend in the Irish economy to grow confidence and hope and provide jobs.

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