Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour) | Oireachtas source

We are well prepared, as we were on the previous occasions when we were successful, to conclude these negotiations. We will do so. Very often these are matters of timing. We will do so when we are in the best position to secure the best option for the Irish taxpayer. This is what the taxpayer expects us to do. We have set out our position to the European Council meeting. This was set out in a letter from the Taoiseach. The issue of recapitalisation does not arise until the banking union and ESM structures have been put in place, which will be some time next year. Clearly, it would not be wise for us to wait until next year to set out our position and to ensure it is clearly understood. We will continue to do so until we get a satisfactory outcome, as we have done on each of the previous occasions.

See this speech in context