Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I wish to be associated with the words of appreciation extended to the Cathaoirleach and all of the staff.

I welcome the transfer of major files, following two years of exhaustive investigation into the circular transfer of funds between some of our financial institutions. It is hoped we will now see the fruits of this work, particularly regarding the transfer in 2008 of approximately €7.2 billion from Irish Life & Permanent to Anglo Irish Bank which at the time the auditors described and signed off as deposits. This was a cover to mask a situation, but we will hear about this when the charge is heard. I fail to understand, while people's positions have been untenable for a number of years, why several but not all of them have fallen.

I say to the Leader in a serious but light way that he is a gas man. For years - for as long as I have been a Member, since 1997 - he has bragged and prided himself on the fact-----