Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

While one can point to any number of economists who hold a certain opinion, it is equally possible to find a tranche of economists, both domestically and internationally, who will set out an entirely different view. It is prudent for the Government to assess the differing growth perspectives for the economy and make a judgment on that basis. We required the intervention of the EU and the IMF last November through no fault of the vast majority of citizens of this State. Everybody is paying a heavy price but we have no alternative. I am not aware that the Deputy's party is proposing any magical solution. In opposition, Fine Gael and the Labour Party made it clear that while the terms and conditions of the EU-IMF package may not be fully palatable, there was no alternative to it and on that basis we are determined that the State will rise to the challenge. Despite the scaremongering and views to the contrary, it is clear that we are on course to meet our objectives of making repayments.

The Deputy referred to the core countries. Clearly the various states are at different economic stages and some economies are doing better than others. While Ireland's economy was forging ahead, other member states were not doing as well. Solidarity is required but we must also understand the position of other member states. That is the basis for European partnership even if a considerable number of people would like to forget it. Our intention is to counter the negative perceptions held about Ireland but, by and large, the opinions across the European Union and beyond is that we are performing well in terms of meeting our targets.

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