Sinn Féin Finance Spokesperson on Finance Pearse Doherty has said Minister Noonan’s recent comments that the extension on maturities for Ireland’s EFSF and EFSM loans would yield “billions” have been exposed as pure speculation.
Speaking today Deputy Doherty said: “Last month, within minutes of a Eurogroup meeting Minister Noonan told media that what had been agreed would yield ‘billions’ for Ireland. Yet today I received a reply to a parliamentary question inviting Minister Noonan to explain exactly how these billions would be saved.
“His reply failed to explain in anyway how he arrived at his billions. Minister Noonan admits that the detail of any extension was unclear and depended on a number of factors.
“Once again we see a government seemingly more interested in spinning our debt negotiations rather than actually delivering progress. By progress, I mean an actual beneficial outcome for citizens and taxpayers. That means less austerity over the coming years.
“Minister Noonan and his colleagues need to know that the public is not interested in any more spin and that their patience is wearing thin with the unproductive government negotiating strategy.”