Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I want to give the Tánaiste and the Government notice that the Opposition parties — I am sure I can say this on behalf of the Labour Party — will continue to pursue the Government's crazy decision on medical cards for the over 70s.

In respect of tomorrow's debate on the bank guarantee scheme, as published by the Government and given approval by the European Commission, Deputy Joan Burton pointed out that this is an expensive guarantee to the banking institutions. Will the Tánaiste confirm that the Minister for Finance will be in the Chamber for the entire debate tomorrow? We do not want a farcical situation where, in the middle of a critically important matter such as this, the Minister for Finance absconds from the House to attend some constituency function or other. Nothing in his constituency is more important than tomorrow's debate. He must take it in its entirety. Will the Tánaiste confirm he will be here for the entire debate?

Fears have been expressed by Fianna Fáil Members and others that if this guarantee were to be called in, the banks would pass on the charge to their customers. The Taoiseach made it clear that the banking sector would have to pay for this deal if it were to be called in. Will the Tánaiste confirm that the customer, the taxpayer and those who use the banking system will not be liable for the charges that may arise if the guarantee were to be called in inside its two year period?

I understand the deal, as published, cannot be amended because it has been agreed to by the European Commission. That means Deputies on this side of the House will have to ask questions of concern to them. One question that must be raised is the extent of parliamentary scrutiny of the regulations that will apply.

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