Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Finance the extent to which he has had consultations with his EU colleagues on the issue of the alleviation of the burdens imposed arising from EU/IMF and ECB debt bailout which he inherited from his predecessors with particular reference to the need to ensure alleviation of the impact on the Irish taxpayer and consumer along the lines indicated at the Heads of Government meeting in June 2012; if it is recognised throughout the Eurozone that some acknowledgement of Ireland's sacrifices and success in dealing with the debt problem merits positive recognition; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2201/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Finance if he has satisfied his EU colleagues regarding the need to ensure an alleviation of the terms of this country's debt repayment arising from the financial bailout; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2205/13]

Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

To ask the Minister for Finance if he is satisfied that his EU colleagues throughout the Eurozone and outside are sufficiently aware of the sacrifices made and hardship incurred by the Irish people in meeting the debt burden arising from the EU/IMF bailout; if he expects to achieve positive recognition of this fact by way of particular or specific arrangements in the future; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2207/13]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

I propose to take Questions Nos. 75, 79 and 81 together.

The Irish Government has been working extremely hard to secure a deal on the Irish bank debt with our European partners and detailed work will continue to ensure that positive moves in Europe are harnessed to maximise the benefit to the Irish taxpayer. This work is one of the Government’s key priorities and will remain a key focus during the EU presidency.

I am satisfied that every available and appropriate opportunity to advance Ireland’s position in relation to legacy bank debt with our European partners is being availed of. The terms sought by the Government are those which achieve the best possible outcome for the Irish taxpayer.

The numerous references in Europe to Ireland’s special status in relation to these discussions give further comfort and the recent comments of European Council President Herman Van Rompuy, following his meeting with the Taoiseach and Tánaiste, in relation to his support for a positive outcome in our negotiations is to be welcomed.