Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I spoke to all of the personalities and leaders mentioned by Deputy Ross. For the first time in my attendance at these meetings there was a genuine focus on the fundamentals of what needs to be done. I too have heard the reports of the conversations between President Sarkozy and Chancellor Merkel with Prime Minister Berlusconi. However, I do not know the details in that regard. I am aware that the Italian Government approved an austerity programme. The question now is its commitment to implement it.

Deputy Ross asked where Ireland stands on austerity. No more than anyone else, we do not like it. However, we recognise that following the lifting of political carpets in departments one often finds a great deal of unseemly activity that went on in the past which must be cleaned up in the interest of getting out of a bailout situation. In regard to where Ireland stands on austerity, our people understand the challenge we face. We all want to get out of this situation as quickly as we can. I do not have any direction over Prime Minister Berlusconi. However, there were at the meeting which took place during the week some direct political comments about what needs to be done.

See this speech in context