Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)
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Question 97: To ask the Minister for Finance the steps he has taken to secure a reduction in the interest rate on the EU-IMF bailout since the conclusion of the June European Council summit. [18709/11]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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The Government is taking every appropriate opportunity to raise the issue of the interest rate charged on the EU/IMF Programme funds and to press our case for a reduction in the rate. In my recent engagements with Troika senior officials I raised the issue of programme pricing. I have also continued to do so at every suitable opportunity at EU level. The Government is prepared to discuss changes that will not have a negative effect on our economy. However, the Government has consistently stated that it would not put Ireland's economic recovery in jeopardy through changes to the corporation tax rate, which is a significant factor in attracting the foreign direct investment that supports 250,000 jobs in Ireland.