Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

On the discussions with NatWest about Ulster Bank, I ask the Minister for Finance if consideration has been given to the potential negative impact on the lending market here and to what might replace Ulster Bank in it.

On the matter of the recent appointment to a senior position in a Government Department, the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform said no precedent has been set by what has transpired and I accept that. Why then is there such debate about the issue and is there a danger it might be seen as a precedent when further appointments are due to take place?