Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is for that reason that the Minister, Deputy Noonan, is in Frankfurt today, speaking with the Commissioner Mr. Rehn and Mr. Draghi. It is for that reason that whereas this will not be decided on Monday, or by March, it is very important to make our colleagues in Europe aware of the significant burden that this country has had to face because of the borrowing which was used before the facilities of the European Financial Stability Facility and the European Stability Mechanism came into being. Even in his private party rooms, the Deputy is probably hoping that progress is made in that regard because it would be good for our citizens all over the country. That issue will be emphasised. We will not have "defaulter" written on our foreheads. We will pay our way. We have never looked for a debt write-down, although we want an extension of flexibility from these facilities to help our taxpayers and in dealing with our deficit, and to help repay our debts in a more realistic fashion. It is in that regard that intensive discussions are now taking place.

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