Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

The Government intends to conduct a meeting today with regard to recapitalisation of two of the main institutions. This would involve a debate in the House tomorrow for that purpose. All these matters can be discussed and clarified without any problem whatever. The point that was being made during Leaders' Questions was that there were governance issues arising with regard to Anglo Irish Bank and this was sapping market confidence. On my official trip to Japan I indicated through conversations I had that it was clear that nationalisation of the bank was required and that this was in the public interest. That was the decision that was taken in the public interest. There was no attempt by anybody to mislead or do anything untoward whatsoever, as far as we are concerned, with regard to these matters. The debate in the House on foot of the decision to be taken by Government later will be the best way of clarifying this.

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