Jerry Buttimer (Cork South Central, Fine Gael)

The initial version of the agreement required the Government to set appropriate targets for the possible privatisation of State-owned assets. It contained no commitment on investment in the economy. By co-operating and working with the troika, the Government delivered on its commitment to renegotiate the agreement. The Members opposite said it could not be done but it was done. When the Government took office it faced the restrictive agreement and it was told that renegotiation would not be possible but it was done.

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