Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Socialist Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

121. To ask the Taoiseach his discussions with other European Union Heads of Government, from 11 to 13 July 2015, regarding the Greek financial situation. [30485/15]

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

On 12-13 July I attended a special meeting of the Euro Summit in Brussels aimed at seeking a resolution to the Greek crisis. After lengthy and difficult discussions, the Euro Summit reached agreement on a series of measures that enabled negotiations on a third programme of assistance to begin between Greece and the Institutions. Satisfactory progress in these negotiations, supported by the urgent implementation by Greece of a number of demanding conditions, allowed for a political agreement to be reached at Eurogroup level on 14 August and for a first disbursement of additional support on 20 August.

At the European Council meeting of 25-26 June, Heads of State and Government urged Prime Minister Tsipras to make every effort to conclude an agreement and put an end to the instability which was having such a detrimental effect on the Greek economy and people. At that time, negotiations were being taken forward with the Institutions and by Finance Ministers through the Eurogroup. However, following the breaking off of negotiations by the Greek government, the holding of a referendum on 5 July, and the radical deterioration of Greece’s financial situation, the situation in Greece was felt to require a special Euro Summit meeting on 7 July. It was agreed that the Greek government would, on Thursday 9 July at the latest, present proposals for a comprehensive and specific reform agenda for assessment by the three institutions and presentation to the Eurogroup. The Eurogroup considered these proposals at meetings on 11 and 12 July, prior to the meeting of the Euro Summit.

Throughout all of the European Council and Euro Summit negotiations, I expressed Ireland's understanding and empathy with the difficult situation faced by the Greek people. I highlighted our willingness to negotiate a way forward and achieve a sustainable solution that took account of the realities of the situation in Greece, while also respecting existing commitments. I stressed our determination to ensure that Greece can continue as a member of the euro area. At both of the Euro Summits in July, I intervened along these lines, and participated in the Summit’s negotiations on the texts of the Conclusions.

The negotiations were undoubtedly difficult and Greece remains in a very challenging situation. However, if the agreed measures continue to be taken forward swiftly in accordance with the commitments made, as they have been to date, I believe that there is a real basis for Greece, with the support of partners, to return to stability and growth within the euro area. That is the objective towards which we have all worked and will continue to work.