Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein)

That is the question.

My second question relates to the bank stress tests. The Minister has stated there is no need for any new stress tests. Is he of the view that the stress tests carried out in June were credible? In recent days there have been problems involving Dexia Bank and a number of French banks have been downgraded since the stress tests were carried out. Does the Minister believe the stress tests uncovered all the losses within the banks?

My final point relates to Greece. Does the Minister genuinely believe Greece can get out of the mess it is in? He hinted to Deputy Michael McGrath that the Greeks would not be left without money. However, he and his comrades in Europe continue to refer to the need for the Government of Greece to impose austerity measures. Does he genuinely believe there is a need for a debt write-down in that country?

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