Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

There is no doubt that this is a crucial time for Europe. That is why President Van Rompuy has called together the eurozone Heads of Government for a meeting on Thursday. The Deputy reflected on what happened at the last two summits. It may be possible, in the event that agreement is reached on a comprehensive solution here, that Thursday's meeting could also be regarded as quite historic in the interests of dealing with Europe's fundamental problem here.

It should be acknowledged that the agenda being discussed at recent meetings, particularly by the ECOFIN Ministers, has been the agenda put forward by the Irish Government. It relates to the pricing of funding from the EFSF, the flexibility therein and the question of maturity dates. All these issues were initially tabled by Ireland and are being discussed centrally by Europe in respect of the problem affecting the eurozone.

I will not comment on what will happen in respect of the outcome of the meeting on Thursday except to say there are numerous meetings taking place today and tomorrow. Discussions are being held in different countries, institutions and parliaments about what may happen here. I wish to see a conclusion to the question of anxiety over the future of the eurozone and deal decisively with the issue of contagion spreading, essentially arising from the Greek problem but with implications for other peripheral countries.

If the Deputy has any observations or solutions, they would be welcome. This affects not just Ireland but the entire eurozone. For our part we are now working with officials and our counterparts in Europe as we approach Thursday's meeting. It is my hope - although I cannot forecast the conclusion of the meeting - that it will result in decisiveness in respect of the eurozone and the protection of the euro. I also hope it will deal with the question of anxiety and concerns over the contagion risks spreading to other areas. What has been reported and commented upon publicly would be of benefit to the country but I cannot predict the final outcome of Thursday's meeting.

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