merrion street

Minister for European Affairs, Lucinda Creighton TD, met her Finnish counterpart Alexander Stubb in Helsinki today (Tuesday). Ministers Creighton and Stubb discussed the current economic situation in Europe and Ireland’s Presidency of the European Union which will begin in 2013.

The Ministers’ talks focused on resolving the uncertainty that is undermining the potential for economic recovery and growth in Europe.

Speaking in Helsinki Minister Creighton said: "I had a very useful discussion with Minister Stubb about the eurozone crisis and took the opportunity

to brief him on the situation in Ireland. Our Finnish colleagues very much realise and admire the efforts made by Ireland to resolve our economic challenges."

"Like Finland we see the urgent need for a focus on sustainable jobs and growth at EU level. We place particular importance on the Single Market as a source of future growth. I also made the point that a credible firewall to halt contagion is a particular priority for Ireland and that it may be necessary for the ECB to act as the ultimate backstop for the currency."

Minister Creighton also paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Katainen and met the Editorial Board of Helsingin Sanomat, Finland’s largest newspaper. Last night she attended a reception with Irish professionals working in Finland hosted by the Irish Embassy.