An Roinn Airgeadais Oifig an Aire

Department of Finance Office of the Minister

Sráid Mhuirfean Uacht, Telephone: 353-1-676 7571

Baile Átha Cliath 2, Facsimile: 353-1-676 1951

Éire. LoCall: 1890 66 10 10

VPN: 8109

Upper Merrion Street, http://www.irlgov.ie/finance

Dublin 2,

Ireland.

Ref No: 15/0435/MF

13 April 2015

[enrrigos@gmail.com]

Dear Sir/Madam,

The Minister for Finance, Mr Michael Noonan T.D., has asked me to acknowledge your correspondence of 21 February 2015, referred to this office by Mr Charles Flanagan T.D., Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade and to thank you for your email and observations in relation to the situation in Greece.

As you will be aware, since receiving your email, agreement has been reached among the finance ministers of the euro area to extend the Greek programme by up to four months. This is a positive development and shows Europe’s solidarity in supporting Greece.

There is a genuine understanding among euro area Member States of the difficult situation faced by the Greek people who have made huge efforts and sacrifices to get their economy back on track. Considerable sacrifices have also been made by the Irish people and those of other Member States.

There is also a respect for the democratic mandate of the recently elected Greek government. This is why there has been a willingness to negotiate a way forward which takes account of the realities of the situation in Greece and the political priorities of it’s Government, while also respecting existing commitments.

Yours sincerely,

________________

Alex Lalor

Private Secretary