Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

I have a supplementary question on the Cabinet office which was set up to oversee the delivery of the programme for Government. I ask the Taoiseach to accept no blank cheques were signed by anybody. Everything that was done with regard to engagement with the ECB and EU was transparent, brought before the House and with the full knowledge of everybody.

In terms of the fundamental pillars of banking, public finances or the four year plan, the Taoiseach has signed up and implemented the programme in broad measure. The major fundamental change from the situation which pertained nine or 12 months ago, when the various engagements with the ECB and EU took place, has come about by the acknowledgement by the EU heads of state of the Greek default and the utilisation of the EFSF to take on board some of the recapitalisation of banks in France and elsewhere as a result. That is the truth of the situation. We have not availed of the opportunity to press the case for a fundamental change-----

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