Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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Question 121: To ask the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform the extent to which he expects to be in a position to meet targets set in conjunction with the EU-IMF bailout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35408/11]

Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour)
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The Medium Term Fiscal Statement, published on 4 November, reiterated the Government's commitment to reducing the deficit to below 3 per cent of GDP by 2015 and set out the year-by-year path that we are following to achieve this. It is vital that the State continues to show the seriousness of its intent to tackle the deficit in the public finances. Moving towards a balanced budgetary position is a key condition for restoring confidence, returning the economy to a path of sustained growth and supporting job creation. Through continuing to deliver upon our targets we can limit the risks of contagion, continue to rebuild confidence in this economy and return to a path of solid growth. This will result in Ireland regaining access to market funding at reasonable rates.