Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Independent)

Can the Minister confirm he was not actively seeking such write-downs? I apologise but this is an extremely important point. That was not the question, as I understand the position of the ECB and the Commission. Directly contradictory claims have been made by members of the Cabinet and this is extraordinarily important. Despite what is the ECB's position or despite what it has told the Minister, has the Minister or Ireland's negotiating team ever challenged that? Has that team ever indicated that although it understands the ECB's position, it still seeks such a write-down and has it ever set out the reason? Everyone is familiar with the reasons and the Minister has stated previously that he would like such a write-down. Everyone understands the moral reasons and no one has argued the case better than did the Minister when in opposition. Has the Minister sought the write-downs, which it was heavily suggested he would do, as the Minister for Finance in waiting?

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