Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I make it to the Deputy that in the context of the decisions made in July with regard to the economic position for the future. We undertook to engage in certain actions are are doing so assiduously.

Deputy Ross is correct when he observes that the conversation in Europe is focusing on whether any country can be successful in emerging from the current economic turmoil. Everyone in Europe is looking at this country as one in which the Government and the people are working together to deal with the challenge we face and is asking whether it could well be the first to emerge from the difficulties. Confidence levels are rising in terms of the perception of how Ireland is dealing with this matter and our reputation abroad is being restored. It is true that we have had to do some work in rebuilding that reputation with international business interests. However, our work is paying dividends and the line of investment continues to be very strong. When we consider the matters that have been renegotiated by the Ministers for Finance and Public Expenditure and Reform in the context of the memorandum of understanding, it is obvious that the IMF and the other members of the troika are willing to listen to and agree with the credible arguments being made by the Government in respect of a change of direction and emphasis.

I accept that America has its own difficulties and that there is economic turmoil in other parts of the world. We would like to believe everything is rosy in the European garden. At the meeting in July the Greek Prime Minister provided clear assurances that the conditions of the bailout relating to his country would be adhered to. Changes have been made in Greece in respect of its Ministry of Finance and austerity programmes, etc., have been introduced. Italy has also introduced an austerity programme.

Ireland is focusing on doing what it undertook to do, while also seeking to grow the economy in order that we can return to a position where employment can be increased. We must send a signal that of all the small countries in the world, Ireland is the one in which it is best to do business. Despite comments being made internationally, politicians must ultimately make decisions for the future. We are making such decisions and working assiduously with the troika in the interests of the people and the country and also Europe.

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