The concerns expressed in the draft recommendation are based on the wrong premise. The Commission's assessment and the Broad Economic Policy Guidelines advises Ireland to seek to achieve economic stability. This is exactly what the Irish government has sought to do in the budget in a number of ways.

229

I will be monitoring the situation closely and, if I am not satisfied that sufficient progress is being made, I will take tougher action.

187

Ireland does not believe that there are reasonable grounds for such a recommendation.

186

I favor initiating some action, but I await final conclusions from our legal services.

169

This will not be allowed, because it would spell the end of the free market as we know it.

169

I want to foster a climate where EU-wide licenses are more readily available for legitimate online music service providers.

138

One can stay within the legal rules, but not completely comply with the spirit.

117

These licenses will make it easier for new European-based online services to take off.

105

We made it quite clear to the French authorities that it can only be in very specific, limited circumstances.

69