Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

The Bill is deemed to be a miscellaneous provisions Bill despite many of its provisions, for example, the implications to the taxpayer of pensions in third level institutions and the manner in which they are being accounted for in the general government balance, the extension of the guarantee scheme, when it will come forward, why it is not being debated prior to the extended date, the reasons for its extension and the various funds to which it is being extended, and the Financial Regulator's issue concerning the administration of life insurance companies.

Fine Gael supported the guarantee when it was given in September. The Minister will agree that we are looking for a vibrant banking system that will be able to operate independently. In terms of the guarantee, he has referred to how EU countries are moving ahead of us. For what reason and for how long does he expect the guarantee's necessity? The scheme has implications for NAMA, since nothing stands in isolation.

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