Lucinda Creighton (Dublin South East, Fine Gael)

I will forget about my wrap-up and simply answer the question because I am unlikely to have time to wrap up. It is important that we have a constant line of communication to all of these countries. It is also important that Ireland, as a small country, build alliances with small member states. We are working hard in this regard. I will travel to Croatia tomorrow for the Croatia summit. Deputy Timmy Dooley will attend on behalf of the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs. Croatia will join the European Union next year and it is a natural and obvious ally for us. That is one example, but we are developing and building on our relations with other member states at all times.

The examination of the issue of debt sustainability has begun. One could say it began one year ago because of the stress testing and the analysis that has been ongoing with the troika. The Department of Finance is liaising with the troika in the preparation of the technical report to deal with the promissory note.

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