Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

They act completely independently. I am aware there was an informal meeting yesterday where eminent people gave their view. The problem is that 1,000 economists give a different answer to the question. In so far as the Government is concerned, to date we have measured up to all of the conditions set out in what is a challenging IMF-EU bailout deal. Reports from the Troika assessing Ireland's current position are that they have rarely been involved in a situation where a country has measured up in the way Ireland has done. The Deputy played his part in that as well. It is not a case of supporting the views expressed yesterday evening at an informal meeting. People are entitled to have those views.

In respect of the witness protection programme, I will have the Minister for Justice and Equality respond to Deputy Broughan. It is not, as far as I can recall, part of the programme for Government but I will ask the Minister to reflect on the Deputy's comment.

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