Charles Flanagan (Laois-Offaly, Fine Gael)

The vast majority of Members wish to make a contribution but most of them have been denied because of the procedures forced through the House earlier. The major shortcoming is we are debating under a shadow of ignorance because we do not know the facts and, as a result, we must exercise great caution, as legislators, in the manner in which we deal with this issue.

I do not wish to use my position in the House to name anyone, especially when he or she does not have the opportunity to reply, but the top brass in Anglo Irish Bank is guilty of national sabotage and financial treason because they have cost the State tens of billions of euro so far and we do not know the extent of the cost. I am surprised by the Minister's expression of surprise.

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