Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

This country is making headway, although it is not easy. I would much prefer to stand up and say we are in a position not to pay this. There is a difference between "will not" and "cannot". This country is making its way through a very difficult period. What was committed to by a very solemn Irish Government must now be followed through. The emphasis for the Government is now in the meetings today with the Minister for Finance and Mr. Draghi to deal with the promissory note and the extent of the €30 billion over ten years that must be paid. It is in that area that the real benefits for this country can come.

The Deputy should be aware that in the discussions last week with the Ministers for Public Expenditure and Reform and Finance, the troika, including the European Central Bank, the European Commission and the IMF, proposed that a paper dealing with the financial difficulties Ireland faces would be prepared and presented on behalf of the troika. Does the Deputy believe that it is in this country's interest, and that of every citizen, to have the backing of the status of a proposal from the troika in regard to this matter?

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