Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I have one straightforward question for the Taoiseach. I am aware he met the Portuguese and Greek Prime Ministers, both of which countries, and Portugal in particular, are still having significant difficulties and challenges. As for Ireland and the ongoing issue pertaining to the retrospective recapitalisation of its banks, I asked whether papers were circulated by the Taoiseach in his bilateral meetings or to the summit meeting. What specifically does Ireland seek in terms of retrospective recapitalisation? This really is a core question. I note the Minister for Finance last year asked whether we really wished to sell the shares the Government has in Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland to the European Stability Mechanism, ESM. Does the Taoiseach consider the ESM fundamentally to be about future recapitalisations or is there a retrospective element to it and what exactly do we seek?

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