Jean-Claude Juncker: I don't think that we are nearing an agreement because Ireland hasn’t put forward a request. And as long as Ireland is not putting forward a request, we don't have to have an analysis in depth.
In case Ireland would put forward a request, we would take this under exam. We are ready, and if Ireland is asking for some help, this help will be provided, but Ireland has not requested anything.
Francine Lacqua: Why the resistance?
Jean-Claude Juncker: You mean the Irish resistance?
Francine Lacqua: Yes.
Jean-Claude Juncker: I am not the Irish Prime Minister nor the Irish Finance Minister, so this question should be put towards my Irish colleagues.
But the Irish do think that they will be able to keep the problems they are facing under their control. And we think that Ireland, in fact, has a starting point which clearly indicates that it is feasible for Ireland to have the phenomena they are dealing with under their own control.
So, I don't think that Ireland is in a position to ask European assistance in a compulsory way. My only point is to say that, if Ireland does so, we'll be ready.
Francine Lacqua: But, Mister Juncker, are you not worried? Ireland is saying that it has enough money to sustain itself until next year, but the banks don't have that much money. Are you not concerned about the situation?
Jean-Claude Juncker: Ireland doesn't face an ordinary budgetary problem, because Ireland is funded from now until mid-2011. As far as the banking sector is concerned, things could be slightly different. But it is up to the Irish, to the government, to the banking sector to make their own opinion on the problems they could face. And if they consider, if the day comes, that they have to ask for support, we'll be ready. But I am not in the position of those who are asking Ireland and who are pushing Ireland for action. This is a decision to be taken by the Irish authorities.