Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This Government has in its first month taken some serious decisions about the banking sector, which have brought about a positive response internationally which we did not have before. It is a small step in the right direction, although it is not where we want to be. We want to see the IMF go home and this country getting back to borrowing on the international markets at rates below those currently available to us, thus putting us in control of our own economic destiny. The Government will continue to make decisions, difficult though they may be. If this crisis is not faced up to it will only get worse. I think the Deputy understands that. From that point of view, we must try to sort out our problems in a eurozone context. The Government will continue to play its part in that regard. This is necessary from a European Union and eurozone perspective.

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