Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 37: To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which he has had discussions with his French and German counterparts and other EU finance Ministers on the economic issues facing Ireland and other EU countries; the extent to which there now exists a clear understanding of Ireland's position amongst our EU colleagues; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14333/11]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 118: To ask the Minister for Finance the degree to which he has had satisfactory dialogue with his French and German colleagues in the context of their acceptance of Ireland's economic recovery plan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [14425/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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I propose to take Questions Nos. 37 and 118 together.

My fellow European finance ministers and I regularly discuss at our meetings the economic situation in the EU, eurozone and in individual member states. Since the new Government has taken office, I have communicated widely with my European colleagues in this forum and in others to foster a deeper understanding of Ireland's economic situation.

Dialogue with our European partners is aimed at developing a common understanding of Ireland's difficulties and repeating that our core strengths - modern infrastructure, a well educated workforce, favourable demographics and a pro-enterprise business environment - remain. I have also outlined steps that Europe can take to help Ireland recover. In particular, I have put forward a case for a lower interest rate on Ireland's external funding package to ease our debt burden and aid our recovery.

In addition, after every quarterly review of the EU-IMF programme, the euro group and ECOFIN consider the revised programme and the compliance report prepared by the European Commission Services. I take the opportunity at euro group and ECOFIN meetings to update my colleagues on any relevant developments while confirming that we are taking all of the necessary steps as well to meet our commitments under the programme.

I also met with the French Finance Minister, Ms Christine Lagarde, in Paris a couple of weeks ago to explain in detail Ireland's economic strategy and the importance of our inward investment programme. I stressed that Ireland would not be making any concession on our corporation tax rate, which is a key pillar of our economic policy.

Our European partners recognise that Ireland is actively pursing an economic programme aimed at restoring sustainable economic growth, underpinned by a healthy banking sector and sound public finances. Dialogue to date has been constructive.

I will remain in regular contact with EU colleagues for the foreseeable future to continue our ongoing work in pursuing the EU, eurozone and individual member states' economic recoveries.