Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

Deputies will have an opportunity on Report Stage of the Finance Bill, which will commence shortly, to raise directly with the Minister for Finance his intentions in regard to this matter. There will be further opportunities to have a debate once NAMA is in operation and further policy decisions are taken in regard to the restructuring of the banking system or anything that arises as a result of the transfer of these loans or assets on to the NAMA books.

In regard to the report of the Ombudsman, the latter asked us to consider it and to take whatever action was deemed appropriate. The decision on what action is deemed appropriate cannot be taken other than by the Oireachtas.

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