Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I asked the Taoiseach two questions and he did not answer either of them. The Minister for Finance said yesterday that today, Tuesday, is the moment for the State to take decisive action to sort out the banking sector once and for all. We have been led to believe, as has the nation, and as is reflected in the activity in Bank of Ireland and AIB shares, that the question of recapitalisation and the exposure of taxpayers' commitment, was to be answered today. I understand from the briefing that this is not now the case. This is another example of having bottled it again in front of the banks. I am aware that their plans are before Europe.

In respect of my second question, the Government proposes putting €8.3 billion of taxpayers' commitment into Anglo Irish Bank today. Will the Taoiseach confirm that this is the extent of what will happen this year? I am led to believe that the Taoiseach may have to come back with a further injection of €10 billion for Anglo Irish Bank. Is this the Government's information and intention? If that is the case, this dead bank on its own will cost the taxpayer €40 billion, as a result of recapitalisation, the €21billion from NAMA, €8.3 billion today and a further €10 billion. The Taoiseach is strangling the next generation and tying the hands of future Governments. He is imposing a levy of €27,000 on every family. This is because of the debts run up by Mr. Seán FitzPatrick and his management group in Anglo Irish Bank. Is it true that the Government intends to put in €8.3 billion today, to be followed by a further €10 billion some time later during the year? The Taoiseach committed to writing whatever cheque was necessary and this is becoming only too true, except that he has transferred the debt from Anglo Irish Bank on to the backs of the taxpayers. What is the extent of the commitment to Anglo Irish Bank at the taxpayers' expense?

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