Pearse Doherty (Donegal South West, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

The only point the Minister failed to make was that this provision is included to ensure the ATMs keep working. The previous Minister for Finance thought it was prudent to inject €31 billion into Anglo Irish Bank and I am sure there were also consultations with the Central Bank then. This is supposed to be an investment vehicle for economic activity and job creation and we have called for this for many years. However, the Government has decided to make this a get-out-of-jail card for banks. There only area where this can be used for direct investment is when a bank needs it. The Central Bank will be consulted but its advice need not be heeded.