Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am referring to their capacity to have information to deal with potential bomb threats, for example. That information strategy is the responsibility of the Garda Commissioner and the Chief Constable. From that point of view, most countries are anxious to move on. Chancellor Merkel made it perfectly clear that we want to focus on the future and that there should not be a cessation of the discussions on the trade possibilities between Europe and the United States. This is the general view. France and Germany have had discussions with the United States, as has Spain, about what they regard as important for their countries.

The Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, went to the ECOFIN meeting and he explained to his colleagues the circumstances and the reasons for Ireland's decision. That decision has been generally well accepted but perhaps not by everyone. It is important in politics and in government to be clear and decisive when making decisions. Precautionary credit lines last for 12 months with an opportunity for a six-month extension and a further six-month extension. I listened to the Governor of the Central Bank, whom everyone respects, with regard to the decision to exit the bailout. I hope that further moneys are not required for any of the Irish banks. I have listened to the comments. The asset review tests are being carried out at the moment. Next autumn, all of the European banks will undergo the stress test, including banks in Ireland. The Government is of the view that the decision we made will result in a much improved position. Taking into account all those circumstances, this is why the Government made the decision in good time. It gives a very clear signal. Unlike Deputy McDonald's suggestion, there were no phone calls in the middle of the night to say one has to do this or that. Instead here is a Government which, along with its people, has made good progress and is entitled to make its own decision, in its own way, for our people and to be respected for that.

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