Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

For the Deputy's information, I had a meeting with Prime Minister Papandreou before the meeting in Brussels where he sought support for an interest rate reduction and the difficulties faced by his country. I also met with then Prime Minister Socrates in respect of the difficulties in Portugal. Obviously these countries have problems that are different from ours. We have a strategy in place and we are on target to meet it. It is being monitored by the troika and I am glad to note the Exchequer returns indicate our tax drive is on target. The Government's focus is now to follow through with job creation, stimulate the economy, create investment, provide opportunities for further exports and grow the economy. That is how we must do this.

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