Tom Kitt (Dublin South, Fianna Fail)

I commend the Minister on introducing the Bill. It is understandable that people want to speak on it because it is exercising the minds of people within and outside the House. The legislation is not about keeping fat cat bankers afloat but about keeping the economy afloat, ensuring the stability of the markets and protecting jobs. The Bill is in the interests of those we represent, including small businesses.

I support the format of the debate because it gives Deputies on all sides of the House a chance to express their views and for the Minister to respond. I appreciate that we want to move on. I have two issues to raise and I would like the Minister to respond to them. We need to know details of the capital assets of the banks concerned. I appreciate that the Minister has said they exceed the liabilities by €80 billion. It would be helpful if we had the full details of the assets before the debate commences in earnest, which it will now.

The second point relates to charges. The Minister said the guarantees being provided would be charged to the institutions concerned and would be subject to specific terms and conditions. It is absolutely crucial that the banks pay for the generous and necessary initiatives we are taking. The initiative provides protection for them and allows them to continue to trade and make profits——

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