Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

There are different views on that matter. One of the most respected commentators in this area, Patrick Honohan, has made it clear that the Government ought to articulate the conditions on which a deal of this sort should be done. He also stated that, rather than what the Minister is doing, we would be better protected if public pronouncements were made in order that everyone might know the rules of the game.

The Minister must outline his vision with regard to what form the repaired banking system will take. He must also indicate how the State is going to repair that system. It appears the Government is being dragged along reluctantly, requesting people to react to particular proposals and then resting on its oars while awaiting further developments. Such an approach is not good enough in the current climate.

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