Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 6 to 12, inclusive, together.

The Economic Management Council has met 55 times since its establishment. The members met 18 times so far this year, most recently on 16 May and five times since the Easter recess. The Government intends to work closely with the Irish banks to ensure that the banking sector supports economic recovery. The members of the council last met with the banks on 21 February. As part of this ongoing process, I expect that members of the Economic Management Council will meet with the banks again in the not too distant future.

The membership of the Economic Management Council consists of the Taoiseach, the Tánaiste, the Minister for Finance and the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform. The support for the Economic Management Council is a core function of my Department and is undertaken in addition to other responsibilities of the staff involved, with assistance from other Departments, as may be appropriate.

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