No second bailout talk - Gilmore

There has been no discussion between the Government and the Troika representatives on a second bailout, Tánaiste Eamon Gilmore has said.

“Our intention is to get out of the programme in two years,’’ he added.

“We are on target to do that.’’

Mr Gilmore said the Troika’s review later today would confirm that and make it clear that progress had been made.

“I expect that the review will directly address the issue of growth and the necessity for it in the Irish economy,’’ he added.

The Tánaiste was replying in the Dáil this morning to Sinn Féin deputy leader Mary Lou McDonald, who asked if a second bailout and a stimulus for the economy had been discussed with the Troika.

“You talk about jobs; you talk about it as a way out of poverty,’’ she added.

“We accept that. Why is it, though, that you turn your face against stimulus ?’’

Mr Gilmore said the Government was in favour of stimulus for the economy.

He added that when the new memorardum of understanding was made available, and the outcome of the Troika’s review was made known, Ms McDonald would find she was wrong in her economic assessment.

Ms McDonald said it would be news to the hundreds of thousands of people on the dole, and the lone parents subject to cutbacks, that progress was being made.