Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael)
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253. To ask the Minister for Finance the steps that have been taken at EU and member state level throughout the European Union to address any issues arising in the event of a Greek exit from the Union or the eurozone; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [28956/15]

Michael Noonan (Limerick City, Fine Gael)
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On 13th July, euro area Heads of State and Government (HoSG) agreed that, subject to the Greek authorities implementing legislation in a number of policy areas over the next week or so, negotiations on an ESM programme of financial assistance can begin.  This is a positive development and my hope is that the necessary legislation and measures can be adopted.

Having said that, my officials have contingency plans in place for a number of eventualities, including the possibility of Greece leaving the euro area. 

It is important to stress that, at a euro area level, the institutional framework has been strengthened significantly in recent years, as is evident from the fact that the market reaction to recent developments has been relatively muted.