Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Deputy claimed I had abandoned all diplomatic negotiations in this matter and then he asked if I would abandon the matter. There is a contradiction there. I assure the Deputy that we have not abandoned our negotiations in this matter.

In respect of diplomatic offensives, the Deputy is aware that the Tánaiste recalled all our ambassadors and called in the European Union ambassadors to explain to them Ireland's strategy which is to deal with the range of challenges before us, from moving on dysfunctional banks to creating incentives for the expansion of our indigenous economy to ascertaining the scale of meeting our commitments in terms of the troika and what programmes will have to be abandoned, maintained or enhanced. That comprehensive analysis is currently taking place.

The agenda for the Heads of Government meeting is determined by the President of the European Council, Mr. Van Rompuy, whom I intend to meet on Friday. Obviously, the discussions will encompass the major issues which confront Europe and I intend to participate fully in those discussions.

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