Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

There is uncertainty in banking and it is three months since the announcement of the NAMA strategy for dealing with the issue. The Taoiseach is addressing the legislation as if it is some obscure amendment to an old statute where the Parliamentary Counsel or Minister has not got around to preparing the heads of the appropriate Bill. On the day of the supplementary budget the Minister for Finance said it was urgent legislation. Three months later and on the eve of the Dáil going into recess for the summer, we do not have the legislation or an exact date for its introduction.

The Taoiseach cannot give us a timetable for the NAMA process and there is continuing uncertainty in banking. He is dithering and delaying, and his incompetence is creating even further difficulties for the country's economy. This is being paid for week in, week out by people who are losing their jobs and businesses which are going to the wall.

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