Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 11 February 2015
51. Deputy Thomas P. Broughan asked the Minister for Finance his plans to invite the new Greek Finance Minister, Mr Yanis Varoufakis, to Dublin to discuss a eurozone debt conference and a possible write-down of Greek debt, especially in view of the huge per capita levels of debt in Ireland and Greece. [6311/15]
View answerI have no plans to discuss a euro area debt conference with the new Greek Finance Minister in Dublin.
My view is that when countries encounter difficulties, a process of negotiation is always better than one of conflict.
Specifically in the case of euro area Member States, all programme negotiations have been conducted within the Eurogroup and Ecofin, with IMF involvement as appropriate. My view is that these are the appropriate fora for resolving outstanding issues involving euro area programme countries.
Indeed, it was within the Eurogroup that I, acting on behalf of the Government, secured many of the concessions that have significantly reduced the burden of public debt on the Irish people.
In this regard, I look forward to meeting the new Greek Finance Minister, Mr. Yanis Varoufakis, at the next Eurogroup meeting on 11th February.
