Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is clear that this important meeting has been called by President Van Rompuy to deal with the contagion that has been spreading as a consequence of the situation that has emerged, particularly in Greece. I note Chancellor Merkel's statement today to the effect that those who want to take political responsibility - the Government wants to do that and is taking it seriously - should know that a single spectacular step will not be taken. Instead, there will have to be a controlled and composed process of gradual steps and measures. It is perfectly obvious to everyone that the markets do not have confidence in a number of countries. Obviously, Ireland is not in the marketplace. We are meeting our requirements. That has been endorsed by the troika. Deputy Martin has accepted credit for that. Our approach has had the approval of the IMF, the European Commission, the European Parliament, Commissioner Rehn and a number of European Governments.

As I said on Question Time earlier, it is fair to say there are many ongoing discussions about the situation that will emerge on Thursday. I would like to think the eurozone leaders will make a series of decisions that will start to restore the markets' confidence in a number of countries. The German Chancellor has pointed out that an overall decision, which would sort this out for once and for all, will not be taken on Thursday. We need to decide on a series of gradual steps and measures to be implemented. I will try to ensure it is a priority that the eurozone leaders are required to demonstrate that countries which are in difficulty will receive support from the fund. The issues that have been put on the table by Ireland in recent months - flexibility, overall pricing and interest rates - can be considered in that context. I hope decisions can be made on those issues, in part if not in full, on Friday. That would be a measure of demonstration to the markets that the eurozone countries are confident that the countries which are in difficulty can make their way forward.

As Deputy Ross knows, it might not be possible to bring about a series of decisions that would end all the anxiety, concern and contagion and point the way for Greece or any other country to make it way forward. Although we are not in the markets, we are meeting all our requirements. I hope the process of preparing for Thursday's meeting, which is in train, will lead to a controlled and composed process of gradual steps and measures, as Chancellor Merkel has said. I hope a number of such steps and measures can be put in place to demonstrate that the eurozone and the EU have confidence in their way of doing business and lead to confidence being restored by the markets in countries within the eurozone, one of which is Ireland.

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