John Paul Phelan (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I want to turn then to, in fact either of you can answer this particular question, it relates to events surrounding the guarantee. On the night of the 29th, we know now that there was extensive conversations involving officials at the Department of Finance on 29 September 2008, Minister for Finance, Taoiseach and representatives of AIB and Bank of Ireland. Were either or both of you aware at the time that these conversations were happening and did Ulster Bank, in or about that time, make any representations as to the nature of those discussions? And I also furthermore ask you both your opinion as to the nature of the guarantee which emerged? Do you have any particular views as to the items that were covered by the guarantee and the full extent of it and what is your current opinion on the blanket guarantee that emerged subsequently?