Tony Killeen (Clare, Fianna Fail)

The two reports into the banking crisis present an expert analysis and assessment of the issues and findings. The conclusions of the reports provide the basis for the preparation of the terms of reference for a statutory commission of investigation. As the Minister for Finance outlined in his recent letter to the Chairman of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service, he has invited the views of the committee on the terms of reference of the commission of investigation. He has asked the committee to respond by 15 September. I know Deputy Burton made a point about consultation with the Minister. It is important to note that he has given until that date for that to be concluded. He has also stated clearly that he is happy to make himself available to the committee to answer any questions it might have and that documents prepared in the crisis management period will be made available to the committee.

Given that the terms of reference have not yet been agreed it obviously would be premature to accept the amendment. However, when the second piece of legislation is introduced in the autumn it would be timely to consider the points made by Deputy O'Donnell and to look further into the issue then. However, I am not in a position to accept the amendment now.

See this speech in context