Eamon Gilmore (Dún Laoghaire, Labour)

The Tánaiste has now acknowledged that this is a changing situation again, that the Government will be reconsidering the issue and that it will come back to the House again. My question is perfectly in order, which the Ceann Comhairle will acknowledge. When will the Minister for Finance come back to the House and inform us of the position?

I understand it is the Minister for Finance's intention today to announce proposals for a national recovery bond, something the Labour Party has argued in favour of for some time. I am very glad this is taking place. The only thing about which I remind the Government is that we are now two years into the recession. Albeit late, I welcome the fact that a national recovery bond is to be announced. However, when he announces it today at whatever press event is organised, will the Minister for Finance take questions? Will he inform the public at that stage about his plans for Anglo Irish Bank? Will he come into the House and make a statement on the current Government position on Anglo Irish Bank? It would at least be useful to know what is this week's position. We will wait for next week to hear next week's Government position.

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