Deputy Doherty said:

“Minister’s Noonan’s comments seem lukewarm at best. If he thinks a debt conference is a good idea and one that Ireland could benefit from then he should call for it regardless of the results in Greece.

“Ireland has a huge debt problem which this government have tinkered with but not tackled. We are not a neutral bystander and should be to the forefront in calling for such a conference. A strong government could deliver a significant debt reduction for the country at such a conference.

“It is ironic that only the prospect of Syriza being elected in Greece has put this item on Minister Noonan’s agenda. The Irish people should not have to wait for a Greek election for an Irish government to stand up for them in Europe. Regardless of which government the Greek people elect, Minister Noonan needs to put a debt conference on the agenda of the EU Finance Ministers meeting with or without Greek support.”