137 Deputy Pádraic McCormack asked the Minister for Finance if he proposes to meet the German Chancellor, Ms Angela Merkel, to discuss her recent comments in relation to sovereign States debt levels; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [43320/10]

As the Deputy will be aware, there is an ongoing debate at European level in relation to sovereign debt levels and how these might be reduced. While I am aware of the Chancellor's views, I do not currently have any plans to meet with Chancellor Merkel in relation to the matter mentioned by the Deputy. However, I am in regular contact with my European colleagues, including the German Finance Minister Herr Schåuble, through the monthly Eurogroup and Ecofin meetings of Finance Ministers. Similarly, the Taoiseach meets Chancellor Merkel, and the other European Heads of State, at the regular Council of Minister meetings. These fora offer regular opportunities for emerging proposals and issues to be discussed both formally and informally.