Finian McGrath (Dublin North Central, Independent)

I welcome the opportunity of speaking to amendment No. 1. I support this sensible amendment because it focuses on the issue of accountability, which is required in the legislation as a priority. The public and taxpayers demand that type of accountability in respect of this debate. It is such a serious issue we must all be responsible but we must also reflect the views of the people who elected us to the Dáil.

The points developed by Deputy Morgan are very relevant to the debate this morning in the Mansion House to celebrate the anniversary of the First Dáil. That First Dáil was led by men and women of great vision and courage and they would want us to ensure we have accountability, transparency and a system in place that protects the interests of the people and taxpayers.

I was extremely disappointed that not one Independent TD or Senator was allowed to address the debate on the anniversary of the First Dáil. This was a sad day for this country. It was also sad that the First Minister, the Deputy First Minister and MLAs from the Northern Ireland Assembly were not allowed to participate. In talking about honouring the men and women of the First Dáil we should have considered that. The only reason I attended this morning was to honour the men and women of the First Dáil but I was extremely disappointed and saddened by some of the procedures.

On the amendment and regarding the broader issue, I accept the serious position the Minister for Finance, Deputy Brian Lenihan, is in. I will support the legislation because it is in the national interest. It is important people look at the issue in a clear and objective way and decide what is the right thing to do for our country.

The Minister said earlier that Anglo Irish Bank had a balance sheet in excess of €100 billion but he also made the important point, on which I agree with him, that we should focus on the customers who are providing funds for employment in areas such as retail, office, leisure, health care, tourism and other services. I would also like to reflect and support the views of the many staff members who contacted me and asked me to do the right thing. They are concerned and annoyed about much of what went on in the bank but they want us to make the right decision to protect the interests of the company, the country and the people associated with this bank. I strongly support the amendment because it focuses on accountability and it is common sense.

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