TAOISEACH’S STATEMENT

Statement by Taoiseach Brian Cowen and Fianna Fáil ministers last night in response to the Green Party’s actions: “There are occasions when the imperative of serving the national interest transcends other concerns, including party political and personal concerns. This is one such occasion.

“The vital national interests of this country require that financial stability be achieved: by publishing a four-year plan, which sets out how the necessary €15 billion adjustment will be implemented by 2014; by adopting a budget which effects a €6bn adjustment in 2011; by taking the necessary legislative and other measures to give effect to the terms of the budget; and by concluding negotiations on a programme for support from the European Union, the ECB and the IMF. These negotiations, are taking place in the context of the budgetary arrangements coming into effect.

“It is a matter of the highest importance that Dáil Éireann should continue to consider and enact the relevant measures, and that the Government should continue to discharge its obligation to bring forward the necessary proposals.