Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I disagree with this proposal and propose that the Dáil would resume on 13 January 2010 as was the original intention in the list of sessions circulated by the Government Whip. I repeat that it provides an opportunity for serious discussion here about serious issues. We are expected to have a situation where, possibly in the first quarter of next year, the Government, through the taxpayer's pocket, will fork out another €4 billion, €5 billion or €6 billion to Anglo Irish Bank, which is continuing to trade under licence with the forbearance of the regulator. We must take very seriously the statement made by the Governor of the Central Bank that there should be an inquiry into the underlying causes of the catastrophic failure of the banking system in Ireland. As the Taoiseach is well aware, that will require special legislation to be introduced and passed by the Oireachtas. It will also mean that the committee chosen to do that will have to have extended powers and the implications of the Abbeylara decision some years ago in respect of committees and their powers will need to be thoroughly discussed before that matter can be addressed.

I would like the Dáil to have the opportunity to discuss the implications of the publication of the lost at sea report before referral to a committee for detailed analysis, and there is a range of other reports and issues that need to be addressed by the Oireachtas. There is no reason the Dáil should not resume on 13 January and I respectfully suggest to the Taoiseach that he should decide now to come back on 13 January as originally intended to resume the debate on serious matters on behalf of the people.

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