Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I stand by the growth figures and I do not agree with Goodbody's assertion. We have already made it plain at the technical discussions on the fiscal circumstances in which we find ourselves, having borrowed more than €60 billion at excessive interest rates before the facilities of the EFSF and ESM came on stream, that it would be very beneficial for Ireland in dealing with our deficit and, as a consequence, our debt repayments were we to have the capacity to move from where we are now to having those facilities available in regard to the moneys borrowed for recapitalisation of the banks which, as the Deputy knows, had an impact on European banks as well. That is a matter which is being discussed intensively at a technical level. It would be beneficial for Ireland as a separate matter entirely from the inter-governmental agreement discussions were that to happen.

We stand by the figure we have set out. I do not agree with Goodbody's assertion. The discussions taking place in regard to the fiscal circumstances of the country are continuing with some intensity.

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