Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Her answer was that she understood completely the efforts the Irish people were making with the Irish Government to make their way forward, that Ireland was an example of a small country being able to meet challenging conditions and that it could be the first country to emerge from the bailout. She recognised that countries like Ireland require continued support and encouragement. She promised it and committed to it, as well as stating this in public.

Question No. 21 was on the immorality and damaging economic consequences of Ireland being forced to fully repay all senior bondholders. I made the point to the Chancellor that subordinated bondholders are taking a hit, that the reduction in interest rates was of great benefit to Ireland of the order of €10 billion, and that what we needed was support in respect of the technical discussions that must take place about further reducing the debt burden on the country. Question No. 22 concerns raising the issue of the Anglo Irish Bank promissory note and the answer to that question is "yes". Question No. 23 is whether we raised the issue of slowing growth rates in the eurozone. I raised the matter in the context of the very strong export performance of Ireland, the very strong trade surplus, the strong investment programme here, our intention to invigorate the indigenous economy and the potential of the Single Market to give greater opportunity to a range of countries to improve their performance. That was brought to my attention by the Finnish Prime Minister at the second last meeting when he said that we should have a competitiveness index across the EU, which will help greatly in this matter.

Question No. 24 was on whether I raised with the Chancellor the adverse impact of austerity measures on the Irish economy and the eurozone in general. The answer is "yes". I pointed out the decisions that had been taken by the Irish Government and the decisions being taken by the Irish people in meeting serious challenges as we move forward. Question No. 25 concerned bilateral meetings. There is always contact about arranging suitable opportunities and dates to meet with other leaders. Question No. 26 was on whether I would consider proposing a joint meeting of leaders from Greece, Portugal, Italy, Spain and Ireland and the answer is "No". I attend the European Council meetings and make our case there.

Question No. 27 is whether I would raise with the Chancellor the continued deepening and spread of the eurozone crisis. I did and it was central to our discussion about what needs to be done here and my view was that the facility of the existing treaties should be used to the limit to deal with the crisis that affects the eurozone and to deal with it now. In that context we discussed the question of limited treaty change, which the Chancellor referred to. The point was that if countries are going to sign on for a set of conditions, there had better be enforceable regulations to see that they adhere to them. Her view of limited treaty change was that there should be recourse to the European Court of Justice if countries do not measure up to the conditions for which they sign up. It will be reflected upon and possibly referred to in the papers to be produced by President Van Rompuy in December. In any event, I am sure the German Chancellor will reiterate her Government's view and the view of her country.

Question No. 28 concerns whether I discussed with Chancellor Merkel the treaty changes she envisages. Yes, I did speak about this. I asked the Chancellor very directly what she meant by limited treaty change and she outlined that and I have my response to it in respect of dealing with the crisis now and the facilities open to us. Question No. 29 was about whether -----

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