Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

While we all wish Deputy Kirk the best in his new role, the NAMA legislation is the most important financial decision in the history of the State with an obligation of €54 billion to be imposed on taxpayers. Opposition Members would be failing in their duty if we did not ask who the author of this business plan is and what is its provenance. If this document were issued by a private company and it turned out its information were incorrect, heavy fines would be imposed on its promoters and authors.

I agree with Deputy Bruton that an independent auditor, such as the Comptroller and Auditor General, should examine and evaluate the document's data. Our banking system is in crisis because the regulatory system failed. The Tánaiste must respond on the status of this document. There is a squiggly looking harp symbol on its cover. Does that mean it is owned by the State? It is not the usual State harp. Is this to what €54 billion will be committed? It is not adequate.

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