Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 21 May 2013
107. Deputy Derek Keating asked the Minister for Finance his recent discussions with the European Union leaders in relation to Ireland's current Troika agreement; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [19948/13]
View answerAs the Deputy will be aware Ireland is in the final year of the EU-IMF Programme of Financial Support. The Programme is subject to a quarterly review by the three external partners, the European Commission, the ECB and the IMF (the Troika). Progress on the programme to date, and prospective future developments are discussed during these missions. The mission is the first stage in the review process which concludes with consideration and approval by the IMF and the EU. I have regular meetings with EU Finance Ministers on numerous issues including the programme. During recent meetings, I have emphasised that the Government’s focus is now firmly on our exit strategy from the Programme, our re-entry into the financial markets and improving our debt sustainability. I also emphasised that it is Ireland’s intention to achieve a successful exit from our programme and we are doing all we can to this end. My EU Finance Minister Colleagues are broadly supportive of our effort and recognise our strong implementation performance. The recent agreement, in principle, to extend the maturities of our EFSF and EFSM loans is the most recent tangible example of their supportive stance.
