Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

As I said, since a deal has not been concluded and is not certain to be concluded, I cannot describe the elements of a deal that has not yet been concluded. It is idle to speculate about something that is not yet in place and may not be. I am not stalling. I am saying that while the negotiations have proceeded in a satisfactory manner, they have not been concluded and there are significant outstanding items. If a deal is concluded, I will come into the House to explain it in detail and people can see what it is in it and judge it on its merits. Until that happens, however, I am not in a position to do so. This is not an attempt not to answer questions fully or to show disrespect to Deputy Pearse Doherty or any other Deputy. The negotiations have gone well, but there are serious outstanding matters which could still prevent the conclusion of a deal. Also, there are some moving parts. Therefore, it is idle to speculate, but if I negotiate a deal, I will explain it fully in the House.

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