Mary Coughlan (Donegal South West, Fianna Fail)

I appreciate that Opposition Deputies do not accept NAMA and that is fair enough. People are entitled to their opinions in this House. However, there is an enormous risk if we do nothing. Our view on this side of the House is that the introduction of NAMA is the best way to get liquidity into the banks and get them back to function, to do what they should be doing, namely, lending to businesses and mortgage-holders.

Concerning the view expressed that the risk is so adverse that it will cost the taxpayer, on this side of the House we are very cognisant of the need to protect the taxpayer. That is why due diligence has been done by the professionals on our behalf to assure people that the best decisions-----

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