Caoimhghín Ó Caoláin (Cavan-Monaghan, Sinn Fein)

I support the appeals of the earlier contributors in regard to the proposed establishment of the national asset management agency. The Opposition voices can, and should, make an important input into the consideration of how this agency should be established and the work with which it will be entrusted. It is the single biggest roll of a dice with public funding given all the risk factors involved.

It is crucial there is full consideration and that we are not left having to react and respond to legislation in a take it or leave it situation with minuscule and minor amendments being considered as a sop to Opposition voices. The central thrust of the Government's approach must be included in the legislation.

There must be full consideration and some value and respect given to the concerns to which Opposition voices have referred time after time since this was announced in the supplementary budget announced by the Minister for Finance. I appeal that the Taoiseach allows for proper debate on this matter before it proceeds to a point of such certainty that there will be no Government or Opposition substantive amendment arising out of the discussion on the legislation in the House.

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