Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

Does the Minister agree that the Government is "in the dock", to use his own phrase, as a result of its decision to accept responsibility for the liabilities of Anglo Irish Bank? By the Minister's very actions, he has sent a message that any bank that gets into trouble in this country and is registered here will be bailed out by the Government, which will accept its liabilities.

Does the Minister agree that, as a result of his colleagues and him constantly sending a message to the electorate that we must accept responsibility for the debts of Anglo Irish Bank, it is implied we must accept the debts of any other financial institution in this State that gets into trouble? Does he agree it is time this matter were clarified once and for all?

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