Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Refusal to deal with it means the problem will continue and credit will not be available in sufficient funds to Irish business. We must deal with that problem. We are simply talking about transferring that problem into the national asset management agency which will work it out over a longer period. In respect of any loss that might arise as a result of that process, there will be a levy on those institutions in any case. We are seeking to protect the taxpayers' interest at every turn.

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