Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

We note that prior to the general election the Taoiseach's party and his colleagues in government were very enthusiastic about negotiating a restructuring of the debt and made many commitments in that regard. Clearly, the position has changed dramatically since they entered government.

I asked the Taoiseach what his position was on the Greek debt, which he did not clarify. However, there is an element of confusion, even in regard to the Government's position. In recent weeks the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, perhaps consistent with his pre-election position, articulated the idea of rescheduling the Irish debt, which the markets and analysts would define as restructuring. He was firmly slapped down by the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, who stated definitively this was off the table.

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