Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

More relevantly, on the Deputy's question, obviously the deliberative process is ongoing. When the texts are agreed and become available, we can discuss them and argue them out. However, while discussions are taking place, there is a deliberative process in train which has to be gone through. We are engaged with the Presidency and legal services on these issues.

On Deputy Bruton's point, we should examine how the Oireachtas might use this democratic forum as a means of helping to put forward views and listening to various ideas. We should consider it in the context of how we might add to people's understanding of the broad issues and the context of the decisions we will have to take. I have no problem with that.

Regarding the "impaired assets" to which he referred, obviously ECOFIN and the eurogroup will look at any ideas that are put forward to see whether they can be agreed and incorporated into the wider framework. That is a matter, in the first instance, for the eurogroup, which will come before the European Council in due course.

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