Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 5, inclusive, 8, 17, 18 and 20 together.

The Economic Management Council has met five times since the summer recess, most recently on 2 October. In general, the EMC meets on a weekly basis and it will continue to meet over the coming week in advance of the budget.

The members of the council met representatives of the banks twice in 2012, the last time on 26 June 2012. As part of this process, I expect that members of the Economic Management Council will meet representatives of the banks as required during the remainder of 2013 to ensure that the banking sector supports economic recovery.

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