Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)

The Deputy is correct to point to the volatility of the situation in Europe, a situation that has been volatile for some time now. This obviously has an adverse effect on economic growth, real and forecasted. It is hoped that as things proceed there will be a settlement. The Deputy is correct that the situation remains volatile, which is disappointing from Ireland's perspective given we are fulfilling all of the objectives of our programme and are working hard to get out of the difficulties we are in.

In regard to when we will return to the markets, the NTMA remains of the view that Ireland will return to the markets during the second half of 2013.

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