Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I do not accept that Ireland has been placed in the position alleged by the Deputy. Ireland continues to have great sympathy for the people of Greece. My colleague, the Minister for Finance, has expressed that view publicly on several occasions over the past few weeks, which have been a very challenging period. It has been reported directly that the Minister had been most helpful to the Greek authorities in moving to a position whereby negotiations of a realistic nature were taking place up until the end of June. Reports over the weekend show a similarly important role played by our Minister in ensuring that the talks and negotiations were kept on track. Ultimately, the reforms that are appropriate and necessary for a further bailout are a matter for the Greek Government and authorities.

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