Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

Theoretically the Deputy may turn out to be correct but his comments are speculative. The programme only commenced in December 2010 and we are now at the start of June 2011. We are approximately six months into the programme under two Governments. The programme under the current Government is three months old and gives us sufficient money to carry us forward for the next two years at a minimum. Much will happen in that time. Consider what is occurring in Europe. In terms of the attempts to retrofit the instruments of policy to address a currency zone in crisis, there are developments every month. As regards the Greek crisis, there will have been further developments by 20 June and further instruments of policy will be developed.

Our job is to work the programme, keep to the targets, get the economy growing again and return people to work. External issues over which we have no control might be interesting for debating purposes but they butter no parsnips.

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