16/12/2013

Taoiseach Addresses Nation As Bail-Out Programme Ends

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said that the country is "moving in the right direction" as the three-year bailout programme has now ended.

In a national address published on the final day of the bail-out programme, the taoiseach said that people's sacrifices "are making a real difference," and that the Irish economy "is starting to recover".

Mr Kenny said: 'Ireland will again stand as a full member of the Euro Zone – with the same rules, obligations, supports and opportunities as all other member states."

Adding: "From (Monday), we will access the Financial Markets in the same way as other countries.

"This is an important step but it is not an end in itself.Our lives won’t change overnight."

Praising the citizens of Ireland, the taoiseach said: "Your patience and resilience have restored our national pride and empowered us to face the challenges that remain."

The taoiseach's full address can be read on the Fine Gael website.

(MH)

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