Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Yes. This means the assets exceed the guaranteed liabilities by a figure of €80 billion. That is the National Treasury Management Agency estimate.

The most pessimistic economist in the State gave his views about the impairment of assets on the national broadcaster yesterday evening. His estimate of the impairment was far lower than that figure of €80 billion. I do not accept any degree of impairment. I am simply putting it on the record of the House so that Members understand the figures involved here.

Many Members asked for other institutions to be considered. Certain other institutions are within the scope of this legislation and it is open to the Government and the Minister for Finance to extend the guarantee facility to them under the legislation. Of course, were we to include some of these entities, it would have an impact on the assets and liabilities equation, which must be taken into account by the Government. These bodies have assets and liabilities and they have parent companies in other jurisdictions. We would require a degree of certitude about the localisation of their assets in the State were we to proceed in their case. I wish to put this on the record of the House as I was asked about it. Deputy Tom Kitt also asked about the charging procedures. Again, I am still awaiting a report from the Central Bank on that question.

Several Deputies raised the question of solvency. I have made it clear throughout discussions on this subject that the central issue confronting the Government last Monday evening was the liquidity of the Irish banks, not the question of solvency. The maturity dates——

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