Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

I will try to respond to the reference to the objectives of the diplomatic initiative. We have already succeeded in meeting some of our objectives, as I pointed out in my initial response to the Deputy's question. There has been a significant change to the memorandum of understanding, which we were told last year was not possible. This shows that the Government can affect change through inventiveness and creativity even within the restraints and parameters of the IMF programme. There is scope for the Government to put its stamp on the programme by encouraging job creation and growth and 2011 will be the first year of growth in the past four years. That in itself is quite an achievement and, as the Deputy is aware, our exports are performing well and there is considerable positivity around.

In respect of the other terms and conditions of the package, we are actively seeking better pricing and a reduction in the interest rate. We want parity with the other two member states, Portugal and Greece, which are involved in EU-IMF programmes. This is a priority for the Government. The Tánaiste has engaged in a significant level of bilateral work. He visited Paris to meet counterpart, Alain Juppé, while the Minister for Finance met his counterpart, Christine Lagarde. I have met my French, Polish, Slovak and Greek counterparts and have visited Berlin. Ours is a very determined and proactive approach.

See this speech in context