Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

Deputy Burton asked a few questions. Of course, money is safe in Irish banks, by virtue of the Government guarantee to them. It is important to make that point. Money deposited in Irish banks is very safe and I do not understand why the Deputy would suggest otherwise.

On the establishment of a national development bank, the Government is optimistic that the private financing options it is considering will prove helpful. We prefer to explore approaches that retain as much of a role as possible for the private sector to avoid the setting up of an additional State body. Within its pension fund arrangement, the NTMA can invest in projects for a return, including projects in the State. Funds are available for this in the NTMA.

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