Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Much of this is overplayed from other quarters. I never made any overspin of this kind. As I stated in my reply, I met both the Chancellor and the President at that meeting. We have not made any arrangements for bilateral discussions to follow. As the Deputy is aware, the Ministers for Finance continue to discuss and negotiate matters relevant to the IMF-EU bailout, as per the agreed position following the decision of the heads of government. The diplomatic onslaught, as the Deputy terms it, is being followed through. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Gilmore, called together all the EU ambassadors in Dublin and had a serious conversation with them. That was followed by requests from the ambassadors of non-EU countries whom he then called together. All Irish ambassadors, IDA and enterprise and employment personnel will be called back to the country in June for a serious discussion about programmes and plans to sell the message of our country and how we will rebuild relationships and demonstrate to other countries and public representatives we are serious in our resolve to sort out our country's problems.

The Tánaiste was in London yesterday, or perhaps Monday, and is to be in Paris tomorrow. Ministers and Ministers of State who travel abroad on official business will be required to make contact with their counterparts in a meaningful and realistic way. Other heads of government are busy, just as we are. Our priority was to launch the jobs initiative and restore a sense of confidence.

I will inform the House as and when such meetings are arranged.

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