Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

——and that we have confidence in those investigating the matter, in particular in regard to the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement, who has the statutory authority on the basis of that examination to appoint a High Court inspector and to proceed. If that is his requirement and he includes two members of the Garda from the fraud squad in his staff, he will proceed with that with the full support of Government. That is the situation.

I am not prepared to do what has been suggested to me because it may, in some way, put that at risk and not because I hold any brief for anybody or for who they are, what they are or who they eventually emerge to be. That is not my motivation. I have no interest in any of that.

I am simply trying to ensure the process of investigation is concluded as quickly as possible. I ask that it is concluded as quickly as possible and that the decisions which flow from it are proceeded with. We hold no brief for anyone. The law should affect everyone without fear or favour whatever way that turns.

In regard to the other matter, I am also very cognisant — this is something the Deputy and the Fine Gael Party will know from detailed briefings with the Minister for Finance — that we are in a situation where we want to maintain stability in our financial system and ensure our financial system remains stable. That is a very great challenge in the present circumstances.

I say to people who quite rightly, as I do, wish to see emphasis placed on proper oversight, proper supervision and proper outcomes to any wrongdoing that has taken place, let us please keep our eye on the big picture too, which is to ensure at the same time, and not at its expense, that our financial system continues to operate in a way that helps to serve the economy.

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