Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

It is wonderful to observe the commentators who comment and the speculation that goes on. Clearly, those who might have had a different view a number of weeks and months ago now reflect because of the decision made by the European Council. I note that Mr. Colm McCarthy said that this is not a diplomatic win, it is a financial win. I agree with him on that. I accept there is a different reflection around the table. President Hollande made it perfectly clear before the election that, if elected, he would require a growth agenda. The process of a European Council meeting is that nothing is agreed until all is agreed, and those segments of the discussion took place between 2.30 a.m. and 5 a.m. the following morning. The concluding hours of the meeting were taken up with a meeting of the 17 eurozone countries. From that perspective, the interest and understanding of France for what this country has done, both in terms of the decisions made and in the context of our people having given a clear verdict on the fiscal stability referendum, speaks for itself. In my conversations with President Hollande both by telephone from Government Buildings and at the meetings we have attended, France has expressed a genuine interest in seeing this country make its way steadily through difficult economic circumstances to be the first to emerge from the bailout programme.

I say to Deputy Ross, as someone who has a genuine interest in the matter, what we are doing, having opened a door of opportunity and potential, is to use it now in the best interests of the country. Frankly, I am not interested in attempted point scoring or in those who say I should be looking for credit. The people know. Psychologically, there has been an important boost for this country and also for Portugal, Spain and Italy. We should build on those opportunities because much of the information in respect of the troika and the assessment of the banks has already been factored in. Ministers are dealing with the troika this week. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, will start the process of making arrangements to implement the decision next Monday. I hope that will follow through as quickly as possible, although the logistics will be detailed. I hope clarity and decisiveness will be brought to the decision of the European Council before the end of the year.

We are interested in hearing from any Member of the House who genuinely has a constructive suggestion to make about how we build on what has been achieved to reduce the burden on families, communities, workers and taxpayers. The Government has a number of options open to it. The process will begin on Monday and it will feed into the system. The best result is the top line - the maximum result we can get for the country and the people. I am sure Deputy Ross shares that view.

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