Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

This is supported by financial institutions, which will help us provide a stimulus to our economy. It is on that basis that we put the proposal. We have considered all the options as we have seen them. We have brought forward this proposal and we have dealt with all the issues in so far as we can. We are open to dealing with any issues raised in the debate in so far as that is appropriate or possible. We are seeking to look to the collective wisdom of the House. If parties want to proceed in a different way or have a totally different proposal, they are entitled to put their point of view on Second Stage. That is the way we conduct debate in the House. When we reach Committee Stage, it will be open to Members to decide what they wish to do at that point.

However, the bottom line is we must bring forward this legislation to deal with a fundamental problem affecting the economy generally, taxpayers and business.

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