Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The fact of the matter is that a €1 million bonus has been paid to the individual concerned. That is not in doubt. When the Taoiseach states he wants to establish the facts, that is the principal fact. A bonus of €1 million was paid after the legislation went through this House. Last October when speaking on this Bill, I made the point that following the enactment of this legislation no bonus, no dividend or other moneys should be paid to any individual without absolute clearance from here.

In fact, Deputy Bruton put down an amendment to the financial guarantee Bill to that effect, that payment of dividends, bonuses and other moneys should be restricted, as appropriate, that might in any way limit the rebuilding of the credibility and the capital base of the financial institution involved. The Minister for Finance responded to that amendment by stating: "Financial institutions as a whole in Ireland, both domestic and those in the Irish Financial Services Centre, need highly experienced, skilled and expert people to succeed."

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