Paul Murphy (Dublin South West, Anti-Austerity Alliance) | Oireachtas source

It is scandalous. If members of the public was aware of what was happening here, which is a double bailout for the banks at the expense of taxpayers, they would be appalled. We bailed out the banks but they continue to have a tax benefit as a result. The Government is opposed to even having a report about how this could be curtailed. The annual financial report of AIB for 2014 stated that it would take in excess of 20 years for the deferred tax asset of €3.24 billion to be utilised. Bank of Ireland had something in excess of €1 billion. Obviously, Bank of Ireland is in private hands and is not paying corporation tax as a result of the taxpayers' bailout. The public loses out again. Presumably in the event of the privatisation of AIB, a private company will be able to take advantage of the deferred tax assets to avoid paying corporation tax. It is scandalous.

I make the point that in fairness Deputy Doherty was not repeating himself and has the right to make his points and to speak at whatever length he wishes.