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"The Irish presidency will build on this momentum toward banking union, working on deposit guarantee schemes and bank resolution and recovery. This will be key to moving to the next phase: allowing the European Stability Mechanism to directly recapitalise banks. It is imperative that we move ahead as quickly as possible with this."
Mr Gilmore said the motto for the six months would be "stability, jobs and growth". "The Irish presidency will be one of realism but also of optimism. For us the glass is half-full and not half empty", he said.
The Government also launched the presidency's dedicated website, www.eu2013.ie, as Mr Gilmore outlined its focus. Ireland takes over from Cyprus on January 1 for six months.