Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I set out my priorities and I have made the point that working to defend and advance Ireland's interests is my absolute priority. That means building alliances of support politically. I do not set the agenda for the European Council meeting, although I will contribute to it and I have outlined the general principles surrounding the agenda, which is not yet finally determined.

The question of the conclusion of an interest rate reduction - another European Commissioner has indicated support for it today - is being pursued by the Ministers responsible for finance. The Deputy is also aware that the Heads of Government, myself among them, devolved that authority to the Ministers because at the time of the leaders' meeting, there was no conclusion to the stress tests on the Irish banks. In its absence - there is a requirement for accurate figures if seeking support - the matter was left to the Ministers responsible for finance. The Deputy is aware that the matter is still being negotiated. I am also sure the Deputy has heard the reports from other European figures regarding the fairness that should be extended in this matter.

It is realistic to say that this country entered into an IMF-EU bailout deal and the conditions of that have been revised, renegotiated and accepted by the troika, and these are the conditions being met by Ireland. It is unfair to expect that this country should be asked to deal with matters that other countries are not expected to deal with. We have a very clear view on that. I do not expect this to be a matter for discussion at the Heads of Government meeting but if it comes up, I will deal with it.

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