Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

In line with our practical approach of being up-front with the people and our European colleagues, we will spell it out as we see it. With regard to the Exchequer figures released last week, the Deputy is well aware that despite the difficulties, we are meeting our targets. We will continue to negotiate, as is the remit of the Minister for Finance, to achieve an interest rate reduction in the bailout deal and, as has been pointed out by Minister after Minister, to seek improvements in that deal for Ireland. Part of this is the jobs initiative being announced today which I hope Deputies will support. I notice the Sinn Féin Deputies have had a change of heart about the National Pensions Reserve Fund. They do not want it to be used for debt reduction purposes-----

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