Léim ar aghaidh chuig an bpríomhábhar
Gnáthamharc

Official Engagements

Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 28 June 2011

Tuesday, 28 June 2011

Ceisteanna (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

2 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will report on his recent meeting with President of the European Council Mr. Herman Von Rompuy; the issues that were discussed; and the outcome of this meeting. [17029/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

3 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the recent EU Council meeting. [17254/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Gerry Adams

Ceist:

4 Deputy Gerry Adams asked the Taoiseach if he raised the issue of an interest cut for Ireland’s EU-IMF bailout at the EU Council meeting. [17255/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

5 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Taoiseach the outcome of the EU summit meeting on 23 and 24 June 2011. [17269/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

6 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the bilateral meetings in which he was involved in the course of the EU summit. [17270/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

7 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Taoiseach if he specifically raised the issue of a rate cut in interest rates at the EU summit meeting. [17271/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Joe Higgins

Ceist:

8 Deputy Joe Higgins asked the Taoiseach if the statement by the Minister for Finance in Washington concerning forcing certain bondholders in Anglo Irish Bank to carry their own losses was discussed at the EU summit meeting. [17272/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

9 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will provide an update on the outcome of discussions at the European Council meeting in Brussels last week. [17278/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

10 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will give details of his discussions with President Sarkozy in recent weeks. [17279/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

11 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he will detail his bilateral contacts with other Heads of Government in recent weeks outside of the context of the meeting of the European Council. [17288/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

12 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the recent European Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17328/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

13 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will report on the issues he raised with his European counterparts at the recent European Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17329/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

14 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he will provide a detailed report on discussions and any decisions made regarding the European debt crisis at the recent European Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17330/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

15 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if he had any discussions with the Greek Prime Minister at the recent European Council meeting; if so, if he will report on those discussions; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17331/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

16 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if the specific issue of the Irish debt crisis and the sustainability of the EU-IMF deal for Ireland was discussed at the EU Council meeting; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [17332/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Richard Boyd Barrett

Ceist:

17 Deputy Richard Boyd Barrett asked the Taoiseach if the issue of unemployment here and across Europe was discussed at the recent European Council meeting. [17333/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Micheál Martin

Ceist:

18 Deputy Micheál Martin asked the Taoiseach if he has reconsidered making personal contact with French President Nicolas Sarkozy to discuss France’s attempts to veto a lowering of the interest rate. [17675/11]

Amharc ar fhreagra

Freagraí ó Béal (48 píosaí cainte)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 2 to 18, inclusive, together.

I was delighted to welcome President Van Rompuy to Government Buildings on Friday 17 June. This marked his first visit to Dublin in the role he assumed in December 2009 as President of the European Council. We had a very constructive meeting, mainly focused on the economic situation in Ireland and in the wider euro area, and on preparations for the European Council on 23-24 June.

I briefed the President on the progress we are making in implementing the EU-IMF programme, including the steps we have taken on banking, the comprehensive spending review, and the jobs initiative. President Van Rompuy expressed his full support and admiration for the efforts being undertaken in Ireland to deal with the severe challenges we face. We reviewed the discussions underway about the interest rate reduction on our EU-funded loans, and agreed the need to find a solution. I also took the opportunity to remind him that Ireland is looking forward to its seventh EU Presidency in the first half of 2013, and that the planning process is already well underway.

Last week's European Council meeting was a busy one, with a wide range of issues on the agenda: the economic situation, including Greece; migration and asylum; and international issues, including Libya, Syria and the Middle East. I will be making a fuller statement on its outcome to the House tomorrow.

We had a good discussion on economic matters over dinner on Thursday night. The European Council welcomed the near completion of implementing the comprehensive package of measures it agreed last March to put Europe back on the path towards sustainable and job-creating growth, including strengthened economic governance. It welcomed in particular the agreement reached on the future European stability mechanism and the amended European financial stability facility, as well as the substantial progress made on the legislative proposals on economic governance. It also stressed the importance of fully transparent and credible bank stress tests.

The meeting concluded the first European semester, the new framework for economic policy co-ordination. We endorsed the recommendations of the Commission for each member state, consistent with the goals of the EU2020 strategy for jobs and sustainable growth. Member states taking part in the euro plus pact also agreed to enhance the ambition and precision of their commitments in next year's exercise. The European Council also assessed the situation of those member states with an adjustment programme.

Regarding Greece, the euro area heads agreed on a way forward and called on their Finance Ministers to complete work to allow the necessary decisions to be taken by early July. The European Council welcomed the progress made in Ireland in the implementation of our own programme, and confirmed that this is well on track.

There was no discussion of specific issues relating to Anglo Irish Bank, which the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, has indicated will be addressed in the autumn. I had good conversations with a number of colleagues both at and on the margins of the meeting. They were notably warm in their tributes to Ireland. Through the steps that we are taking, we are establishing our credibility and this was reflected in the room.

I stressed the importance of ensuring that all aspects of support programmes, including the pricing of loans, contribute to the shared goal of returning to the markets as soon as possible. This included a constructive discussion with President Sarkozy. He and I agreed to continue to seek a way forward together, and our officials will remain in close contact in the period ahead. We will continue to work to find a resolution and I remain hopeful of a positive outcome.

Migration and asylum issues were discussed on Friday morning, when we considered the governance of the Schengen area, the control of external borders, the development of partnerships with the countries of the southern neighbourhood and the completion of the common European asylum system by 2012. We agreed that the accession negotiations with Croatia should be concluded by the end of June, confirming the strong commitment that exists in terms of the enlargement perspective of the western Balkans. Discussion on developments in the southern neighbourhood included adopting a separate declaration on this subject.

During the course of the discussion on international issues, I raised with colleagues concerns about the situation in Bahrain where medical staff, some of whom were trained in Ireland, face trial. The language proposed by me on the situation in Bahrain was accepted.

The European Council also finalised the appointment of Mr. Mario Draghi as President of the European Central Bank with effect from 1 November 2011.

Outside the context of European Council meetings and related discussions, the position as regards my bilateral meetings with other Heads of State or Government remains as I set out to the House on 15 June. I met with Prime Minister Cameron in London on 18 April, and in Dublin on 18 May; with President Obama in Dublin on 23 May; and with Prime Minister Orban of Hungary in Dublin on 1 June, in the context of the current Hungarian EU Presidency. As I have already mentioned, I met with Herman Van Rompuy, President of the European Council, on 17 June. Last week, I also discussed with Prime Minister Tusk of Poland the possibility of him visiting Ireland in September.

Other arrangements have not been finalised and remain under review.

The Taoiseach said the European Council was warm in its attitude to Ireland. Tá a fhios ag an Taoiseach go bhfuil an pobal ag lorg réitigh do na fadhbanna; tá muintir an Stáit faoi bhrú agus níl siad ag lorg plámáis. The Taoiseach has told the European Union, the IMF and the European Central Bank that he will bring in €3.6 billion of cuts in the next budget. A total of €1.5 billion of those are about the lowering of tax bands and credits as part of the general tax increases and reductions in spending, which include social expenditure reductions. He has agreed a total of €3.6 billion in cuts, €1.5 billion in increased taxes——

Questions please.

——and in lowering social expenditure, yet he has told the Irish people time and time again that he will not increase taxes and that he will not decrease social welfare payments. What is the position? Is it the EU or the Irish people that he is two-timing? Did he point out at the EU summit that we cannot afford this? Did he make it clear in terms of what is happening in our health service and what we are seeing with——

Sorry, Deputy, questions please.

——rural schools and even cuts in transport in rural communities like the one he represents? Did he bring that to the attention of the European summit?

Tá a fhios go maith ag an Teachta gur réiteach atá i gceist anseo agus sin an fáth go bhfuil na díospóireachtaí ar siúl idir oifigigh na hÉireann agus oifigigh an Aontais Eorpaigh. Tá sin ag leanúint ar aghaidh. Tá a fhios ag an Teachta freisin go bhfuil cúrsaí buiséid i gceist aige ó thaobh cúrsaí cánach de. Dúirt mé go soiléir, agus tá sé i gceartlár an chláir Rialtais, nach mbeidh ardú ann sna rátaí cáin ioncaim sa chéad bhuiséad eile. Ní bheidh laghdú sna rátaí leasa shóisialta ach dóibh siúd nach bhfuil toilteanach cúrsa traenála nó jab a ghlacadh. Caithfidh siad a thuiscint go dtosófar le laghdú ar an ráta atá ar fáil sna cásanna sin nuair nach bhfuil siad toilteanach obair nó cúrsa traenála atá oiriúnach a ghlacadh.

Tá an Taoiseach ag rá rud amháin do na daoine san Eoraip agus rud eile do mhuintir an Stáit anseo. Chuir mé ceist dhíreach ar an Taoiseach agus níor thug sé freagra dom.

Ní aontaím; chuir an Teachta ceist orm agus thug mé freagra díreach dó. Tá a fhios ag an Teachta céard atá mé ag rá. Tá an plean leagtha amach ag an Rialtas, agus sin an plean a cuirfear i gcrích. Maidir leis na díospóireachta a bhí ar siúl idir mé féin agus ceannairí na náisiún eile, tá a fhios acu go maith go bhfuil Rialtas na hÉireann dírithe ar réiteach agus ar dheireadh a chur lenár bhfadhbanna eacnamaíochta, agus caithfimid deighleáil leo.

Cá bhfuil an réiteach?

Tá sé thar a bheith soiléir go gcaithfear go mbeadh díospóireachtaí ag leanúint, agus tá siad ag leanúint ar aghaidh. Sin an rud a dúirt mé sa bhfreagra a thug mé don Teachta níos luaithe.

Does the Taoiseach agree that from the report he has given today he has failed dismally in the single most prominent pledge he made to the people before the general election, in the course of the general election campaign and immediately after the general election, that he would secure a major renegotiation of the EU-IMF-ECB austerity agreement? Does he also agree in particular that he said he would achieve burden sharing by forcing the gambling bondholders to take at least some of their own losses and that he would achieve a cut in the interest rates for funds extended from Europe at scandalously high rates? Does the Taoiseach further agree that four months later it is abundantly clear that, despite several meetings of the European Union at the highest levels, he has absolutely nothing to show? Will he explain to the Dáil and to the people what is going on, why he has failed so far and whether he will give a timeline for the next four months on how he will honour his promise to the people?

I hope that tomorrow morning Deputy Higgins will actively encourage people in his constituency to participate in the internship scheme which will be launched, and that he will encourage firms, employers and people in his constituency to participate in the jobs initiative which takes legal effect from 1 July.

Deputy Higgins is aware that the current memorandum of understanding was renegotiated with the troika — the IMF, the EU and the ECB. The renegotiations included the opportunity to have a limited jobs initiative to provide stimulation to the indigenous economy and to focus with particular impact on the tourism-hospitality sector where the Government reduced VAT from 13.5% to 9%, applied a zero rating to travel tax and provided temporary relief in respect of PRSI reductions for employers.

Deputy Higgins is also aware that in respect of subordinated bondholders, significant amounts of money have been extracted from them and the Minister for Finance has made it perfectly clear that the circumstances surrounding senior bondholders in Anglo Irish Bank are in a different category to senior bondholders in Bank of Ireland and AIB. It is the Minister's intention to raise that matter with the ECB in the autumn.

In so far as the interest rate reduction is concerned, I agreed with the other leaders that the officials on our side, together with the Minister for Finance and his colleagues, will continue to carry out the remit and responsibilities which they have been given, which is to bring about a conclusion to the principle which has already been agreed of an interest rate reduction being applied to countries that are in the EFSF bailout. From that point of view I was heartened by the response from European leaders to how the Irish people have measured up to the economic challenge, which we will beat — I hope with the help of Deputy Higgins.

I would not take a pat on the head from right wing European leaders as a source of pleasure or contentment when the reality is that the Irish people are being bled dry to save the major banks and speculators in Europe under the auspices of the leaders with whom the Taoiseach was speaking.

Does the Taoiseach realise the urgency of the situation? Bondholders are being paid all the time at different intervals. Interest is being paid and is being ratcheted up. The Government has lost four months. How many more months will it lose before it obtains agreement on this issue?

The Taoiseach said there was a discussion on the Middle East at the summit. Was there a discussion on the humanitarian flotilla of urgent aid for the suffering and imprisoned people of Gaza? Did he inform the EU leaders that the flotilla included a ship funded by the Irish people, containing a Member of the European Parliament, a councillor, a rugby player and other active and concerned individuals? In view of the atrocity carried out by the Israeli forces on a previous flotilla ship, did the Taoiseach urge the EU states to demand safe passage for the flotilla and a commitment that the Israeli State would not attack it in either international or Gaza waters?

I am not asking the Deputy to take a pat on the head from anybody. A number of left-wing leaders were complimentary of the efforts being made by this country and its people to deal with our challenge.

With regard to the discussions about the Middle East, a detailed report was given by the High Representative, Catherine Ashton, to the group, which included a response to what is happening in Libya and in Syria and the consequences for people who are fleeing to the borders of neighbouring countries. In particular, Baroness Ashton referred to the horrendous activities on the Syrian-Turkish border when Syrian tanks were less than ten miles from that border, and the appalling and outrageous breaches of human rights which included women being lined up naked for rape. This was a matter of serious concern to the European Council. There was an insertion into the conclusions with regard to the movement of ships to Gaza, and Prime Minister Papandreou was particularly concerned about a number of ships which would be leaving Grecian ports to head there. There was a general conclusion that there should be restraint. That discussion was about what could be done to prevent what happened on the last occasion, which was of concern. The Council did consider that matter in its deliberations on Friday morning.

Deputy Martin. I am sorry, Deputy Higgins, but I want to give everybody a chance first.

There are 17 questions in this group, which is a new record for the Taoiseach. The effect of these groupings is that we are denied specific responses to specific questions. The idea that every European issue is the same is ridiculous, and there is no basis for grouping 17 questions. I have four questions in this group and I suggest that the Taoiseach has not answered these comprehensively enough. I would appreciate some specific answers.

The Taoiseach said there was some warmth towards Ireland. The fundamental reason we are on track in the EU-IMF deal is the effect of the last budget, a substantial one which imposed cuts of €6 billion on the Irish people and which the Taoiseach described at the time as "savage" and voted against; however, he has now adopted it. Provision was made for the internship scheme he just spoke about in the four-year plan, and the burning of subordinated bondholders was facilitated by legislation enacted by the late Deputy Brian Lenihan as Minister for Finance, which the Taoiseach described at the time as draconian and unconstitutional. His capacity for policy somersaults is understood and noted.

With regard to the questions I have tabled, the Taoiseach may remember that he gave a speech in London some time back in which he claimed to have had meetings with Chancellor Merkel and President Sarkozy. He was badly caught out on that occasion because it subsequently emerged that he had not had such meetings but was, rather, talking about meeting them at the European Council.

Sorry, Deputy, but can you put a question? We do not want a history lesson.

I am coming to a question. Given the huge spinning efforts concerning what happened at the Taoiseach's meeting with the French President, Mr. Sarkozy, will he tell us how long the meeting lasted? The Taoiseach also briefed the media claiming he made a presentation on Ireland's case at the Council. How long did this presentation take and on which part of the agenda did it take place?

I do not agree with Deputy Martin's accuracy on the number of questions being taken together. I recall on numerous occasions over the past 20 years, how predecessors in his party would have taken substantially more than I have taken this afternoon. I do not have an objection to these questions being divided up into sectors.

It is a new record for the Taoiseach today, however.

They are all related to Europe. As I said on my first day in office, I would examine this format. In the context of the discussions we will have in the next several weeks, I will be glad to hear Deputy Martin's opinion on whether the format needs to be changed.

Deputy Martin asked me to provide an update on the outcome of discussions at last week's European Council meeting. I have just read a four-page reply on this. Last week, for the first time ever, we had an opportunity for the Dáil to make observations before a Council meeting. There will be more statements tomorrow on the meeting. If the Deputy wants me to read out the reply I have just given again, I will.

I asked two specific supplementary questions.

The Deputy asked me to provide an update on the outcome of discussions at last week's European Council meeting for which I have just given a four-page answer.

I asked two specific supplementary questions.

Deputy Martin asked me to give details of discussions with the French President, Mr. Sarkozy, in recent weeks. My discussions with him took place during the course of the European Council meeting. As I said, we had a good conservation about the issue of the interest rate reduction. I have detailed the bilateral contacts with the other Heads of Government. The Polish Prime Minister, Mr. Tusk, is anxious to come to Ireland early in his term of European Presidency. It will probably be in September if the dates are appropriate.

The French President, Mr. Sarkozy, is anxious a conclusion be brought to the issue of an interest rate reduction for Ireland. He is of the opinion that the personnel involved should continue their discussions and, hopefully, arrive at a conclusion. I would like to have it done as quickly as possible, as everyone else does. The German Chancellor, Ms Merkel, confirmed she is absolutely confident of Ireland beating the economic challenge it faces and that she supports our programme.

I briefed the European People's Party on Ireland's position. I made the point about the general pricing of loans and that those countries complying with their conditions should be supported. I made the same point at the Council meeting to the general body of the 27 member states. I also made the point that, in the event of anything untoward happening in the Grecian situation, other countries should be supported by the European Union, particularly those complying with the conditions set out in their respective EU-IMF deals. That was clearly understood by everybody.

I asked the Taoiseach two specific supplementary questions. First, how long did the meeting with the French President, Mr. Sarkozy, last? It is okay if he does not want to answer it. Second, the Taoiseach briefed the media that he made a presentation to the Council but he has just referred to one given to the European People's Party. It seems he made none to the Council.

I said I made a presentation to the Council also.

There is spin and counter-spin and there is much more spinning than there should be.

Deputy Martin should have listened to my reply.

Putting aside the academic debate on the overspinning of every development in this matter, will the Taoiseach explain to the House how the formal conclusions of the Council meeting should be viewed as progress? The conclusions express confidence that the debts of Ireland and Portugal will be sustainable if the two countries implement their agreed programmes. In contrast, the agreement of 11 March explicitly stated our interest rate would need to be reduced to ensure debt sustainability. If we are saying that a reduced rate is no longer essential in the context of sustainability, then any fair person could see that our position has been weakened. The text as agreed is, therefore, weaker than that issued on 11 March. In the latter, all the Heads of Government agreed to change the terms and, in essence, reduce the interest rate. Last week's text explicitly states that the existing terms will ensure or will suffice for sustainability. Why did we agree to a text last week that is weaker than that released on 11 March?

I do not apply a stopwatch to conversations I have with people and nor did the Deputy when he was on this side. I raised the situation in so far as Ireland is concerned at the plenary session of the Council meeting. I stated last week that I will contribute to these debates in a comprehensive and inclusive manner and I did that. I also spoke on the situation in the Middle East and I put forward a paragraph relating to a number of doctors who trained in Ireland and who are now subject to trial in Bahrain which was accepted by the group. On behalf of the country and as leader of the Government, I contributed to the series of debates to which I referred earlier and which dealt with migration and asylum, the situation in Syria, Libya and other countries in the Middle East.

On the interest rate reduction, no one in their right mind would expect me to attend a European Council meeting and indicate that I agree that there should be a change in Ireland's corporation tax rate. We set that very clearly and everyone supports us. There will be no movement in that regard. The reason the interest rate reduction has not been passed on to Ireland is because there was a request that our corporation tax rate be increased. The discussions taking place revolve around the consequences of Ireland not moving with regard to its corporation tax rate. That is the position. The Heads of Government gave responsibility in this regard to the Ministers for Finance in Brussels last March. The officials from the Departments of the Taoiseach and Finance and the Minister for Finance are continuing to work on the matter. At leaders' level, I made it perfectly clear that we would like a quick conclusion in respect of this matter. In that context, we are adhering to our position of no change to Ireland's corporation tax rate.

I tabled six of the questions in this group. Two are quite general in nature, while the other four are specific. I hope to have the opportunity to obtain clarification in respect of the latter four and also to make a couple of points regarding the Taoiseach's general response.

There are only seven minutes remaining, so the Deputy should be careful that we do not run out of time.

In his weekly newsletter, the Taoiseach, in the context of his experience at the European Council, stated he was very pleased in respect of the meeting at which the ESM was discussed and indicated that the latest provisions relating thereto will create a new playing field that will provide bondholders with a sense of confidence. In discussing the debt crisis with his European counterparts, was it the Taoiseach's priority to provide bondholders with confidence? That seems to be an extraordinary priority. Did he discuss with his European counterparts that his and their emphasis on protecting bondholders and giving them confidence, is having disastrous consequences socially for people in this country, in Greece and other countries deeply affected by this debt crisis? Is there any sense among our European counterparts that the programme they have put in place to deal with this crisis, in which all the emphasis relates to protecting bondholders, is resulting in terrible suffering for ordinary people? This country faces the closure of hospital accident and emergency departments, the lack of special needs assistants for pupils in schools, the sale of State assets ——

I advise the Deputy that he is running out of time.

Were any of these issues, the social cost of prioritising bankers and bondholders, discussed or was the discussion all about providing confidence for bondholders?

On the question of Greece, was there any acknowledgment that the people of Greece, who are resisting the austerity measures to pay back these bankers, may have good cause or that their resistance is now forcing a discussion about burning the bondholders to some extent? With regard to any discussions with the Greek Prime Minister, did the Taoiseach continue with the line that Ireland is not Greece, when it is absolutely clear that any restructuring of the Greek debt will have beneficial consequences for us. We should support the Greek people in opposing austerity. However, I understand from the Taoiseach's response that he was insisting that the Greek people pass a further austerity budget to protect the bondholders.

With regard to the Taoiseach's comments on the Gaza flotilla, was there any discussion of what was being discussed openly in the Greek papers in the past week, with regard to the IMF intervening with the Greek authorities to try and prevent some of the ships from the Gaza flotilla from leaving Greek ports? It was suggested that the IMF was threatening to withhold moneys from the IMF deal if the Greek Government allowed ships from the Gaza flotilla to leave Greece. Is that what the situation has come to and is that the level of what is going on at Council meetings?

Can the Deputy put his question?

Not only is the IMF dictating that we sacrifice society to pay bondholders, but we must also sacrifice the health and safety of brave people trying to bring aid and solidarity to the people of Gaza.

I must remind the Deputy that we are on Question Time.

These are all questions.

The Deputy has just finished now.

The Deputy has a very warped interpretation of the facts and I do not need him to put words in my mouth. The decision with regard to dealing with preferred creditor status by the Ministers for Finance at their meeting in Luxembourg is to the benefit of every country in Europe, not just Ireland, because people who invest in a country generally buy bonds. We did not want a situation where people investing in this country would find themselves in a long queue if anything were to go wrong. From that point of view, the abolition of preferred creditor status is a positive step taken by the European Ministers of Finance in respect of all the countries of Europe. The Deputy's interpretation of that is as far out as Lambay or beyond.

There was quite a detailed discussion on Greece and the importance of the vote in the Greek Parliament which takes place this week, both in respect of the conditions that may apply and the range of what must be done. There were quite a number of opinions expressed in respect of what is happening in the Greek situation. A number of leaders spoke to Prime Minister Papandreou about the tax structure that exists in Greece and about the opportunities that exist for reform and the scale of what he and his country now face.

What about the social consequences?

I suggest to the Deputy that there will be an opportunity again for discussion of the restructuring of the hospital situation, the health services and so on.

I took the opportunity a number of years ago to bring a delegation from my party to Gaza and I visited the entire area to see at first hand the consequences of the destruction of buildings, etc. I know that Deputy Martin is also one of the few who visited Gaza. Prime Minister Papandreou informed the Council meeting that quite a number of ships wished to leave Grecian ports for Gaza. I have no control over what the Grecian papers write, no more than over any other newspapers, and I have no idea what the Deputy is talking about in the context of the IMF fulfilling the claims made. The issue was a concern for leaders.

Will the Taoiseach demand safe passage for the ships?

Leaders at the European Council meeting were concerned that there not be a repeat of what occurred on the last occasion. I support that view very strongly.

Is the Taoiseach demanding safe passage for the ships?

Barr
Roinn