Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)

Could the Taoiseach confirm to the House what exactly he has been looking for? Has the Government formally sought a deal that would involve, for example, extending the obligation over 30 years? Is it seeking a write-down of the money owed to the Irish Central Bank? I ask the Taoiseach to answer those basic questions. Can he confirm that the commentary by the Minister, Deputy Burton, in the Financial Times led to the ECB pulling down the shutters on any deal on this issue? Can he confirm to the House that the Government will pay the money due on 31 March?

See this speech in context