Ireland hopes to ensure additional funding beyond the received EUR 85 billion in December, which will be determined by the upcoming referendum Thursday 31 May. The purpose of the referendum is to receive the approval (or rejection) of the Irish people for imposing austerity in terms of taxes and spending control. According to Enda Kenny, Prime Minister, if the Irish agree to the treaty, the country will secure additional emergency fund from the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) beyond 2013.