Peadar Tóibín (Meath West, Sinn Fein)

Many were disappointed to hear over the past couple of days that there was a break with the practice of the troika meeting with Opposition parties. It was a situation where Opposition parties had an opportunity to represent their constituents to the troika, and also to find out if the troika and the Government were on message or was there a deviation between the message that both separate organisations were giving out. I read in their statement yesterday that they indicated the proximity to the treaty referendum was the reason. However, many remain sceptical on that issue. Many believe it was the Government that requested the troika not to meet the Opposition parties.

I would like the Minister to go on record in that regard. The initial response was very vague and much of the information is general. Will the Minister put on record the detail of what issues are currently being negotiated with regard to the memorandum of understanding and in particular his intention with regard to the National Pensions Reserve Fund and its use for potential job creation?

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