Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

Will the Taoiseach elaborate on when he expects the matter of the structure of the guarantee for the banks and financial institutions will be discussed in the House? I understood it was the Government's intention to bring it in yesterday, but the Government was to meet yesterday evening — which it did — and again today. The last the Fine Gael Whip heard was that it was to be on Thursday.

I suggest that, if it is ready, we will facilitate the Dáil sitting on Friday, Saturday or Monday to facilitate the debate. I suggest this for several reasons. First, the budget is due on Tuesday next. That is a major event and the Government will not want the two matters in the House at the same time. Second, the Taoiseach has to travel to Brussels on Wednesday for a Heads of Government meeting to give his views on Europe and the path ahead. Another reason I suggest we have it now is because there is evidence from all over the country of the squeeze banks are putting on small businesses, which I understand is related to the liquidity problem. There is an urgency on the part of the Taoiseach to get the structure right, but it is also urgent to get it through here, because the guarantee will not take effect until passed by the Houses.

While there is a guarantee in place in name, in political or legal terms this can have no impact until it has been passed by the Houses. Will the Taoiseach elaborate on the situation? If it is necessary for the Dáil to sit on Friday, Saturday or Monday, Fine Gael is willing to agree to that to facilitate Government bringing the scheme before the House so we can discuss it, find out the details and implications and tease it out so that, in so far as is possible, the political response in supporting a banking system and the economy can be got right. Will the Taoiseach elaborate on this matter?

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