Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

There are 17 questions in this group, which is a new record for the Taoiseach. The effect of these groupings is that we are denied specific responses to specific questions. The idea that every European issue is the same is ridiculous, and there is no basis for grouping 17 questions. I have four questions in this group and I suggest that the Taoiseach has not answered these comprehensively enough. I would appreciate some specific answers.

The Taoiseach said there was some warmth towards Ireland. The fundamental reason we are on track in the EU-IMF deal is the effect of the last budget, a substantial one which imposed cuts of €6 billion on the Irish people and which the Taoiseach described at the time as "savage" and voted against; however, he has now adopted it. Provision was made for the internship scheme he just spoke about in the four-year plan, and the burning of subordinated bondholders was facilitated by legislation enacted by the late Deputy Brian Lenihan as Minister for Finance, which the Taoiseach described at the time as draconian and unconstitutional. His capacity for policy somersaults is understood and noted.

With regard to the questions I have tabled, the Taoiseach may remember that he gave a speech in London some time back in which he claimed to have had meetings with Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy. He was badly caught out on that occasion because it subsequently emerged that he had not had such meetings but was, rather, talking about meeting them at the European Council.

See this speech in context