Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

121. To ask the Taoiseach the change in the European budgetary rules that were discussed at the June EU Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [30716/14]

Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The June European Council Conclusions call for the growth supporting potential of the EU’s fiscal framework to be used and for best use to be made of the flexibility built into the existing Stability and Growth Pact rules. Leaders at the June European Council also noted that the Commission will report to the European Parliament and to the Council on the application of the EU’s governance framework – the 6 Pack and the 2 Pack - by 14 December 2014.

The Strategic Agenda for the EU for the next five years, also agreed at the June European Council, highlights the need for bold steps to foster growth and increase investment. In this context, the need to make best use of the existing flexibility in the Stability and Growth Pact is reiterated. The Strategic Agenda also makes clear, however, that the pact must be respected.