Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael)

Second, we have just read that the Minister for Finance will announce next Tuesday a recapitalisation package for Anglo Irish Bank. It appears that not only will we be buying €35 billion of loans from the bank but we will also be asking the taxpayer to provide €9 billion for recapitalisation. Next week's business makes no provision for a debate on this huge decision which has enormous implications for the people of this country. The Minister for Finance does not have unfettered authority to make these decisions. He must show that the banks involved are of systemic importance to the country and that these decisions are well balanced and are sound and good investments for the country. We demand and are entitled to a debate on this next week.

I wish to advance a final point before we can agree this business. Last December Deputy Phil Hogan, via a Private Members' Bill, proposed that the affairs of the Dublin Docklands Development Authority be brought within the remit of the Comptroller and Auditor General. Today we learn that not only is €140 million of State investment now at zero value but that the taxpayer may be on the hook for interest for cost overruns-----

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