Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

There was no knowledge about the statement in advance. Speaking to three prime ministers last week, Prime Minister Rajoy from Spain, Mr. Samaras from Greece and Prime Minister Monti from Italy, each one of them, when we discussed the progress being made on the implementation of the Council decision and their own country's position, was clear that this decision of 29 June is what must be implemented for the protection of the euro, for the development of the eurozone and, in particular, in our case, reflecting the decision made in regard to Ireland being named as one of two countries mentioned in the decision.

The statement last night is from three Finance Ministers of 27. The June decision was of the 27 Heads of Government. As everybody will be aware, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, in his dealings with this counterparts, has received strong political support for the difficult decisions and negotiations that are required to unwind the deal that was done previously and to improve Ireland's debt sustainability as per the decision of 29 June.

Deputy Ross will be aware of the municipal elections in Finland. He will be aware that a Government has not yet been formed in the Netherlands. He will also be aware of the assistance given by Minister Schäuble to the Minister, Deputy Noonan, in his discussions about the promissory note and the technical difficulties there, and his association with the ECB etc.

To be clear about this, there was no information about the statement in advance. The decision of 29 June is clear and unequivocal. Our efforts, both as a member of the eurozone and the Union, are to implement that decision to protect the eurozone and the euro, and to improve Ireland's debt sustainability which is mentioned specifically in the decision of 29 June.

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