Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

It is not. Does he propose to take it from the deposits of existing Irish banks, thereby necessitating their recapitalisation to a greater extent? Does the Deputy want to work this out? He also made reference to the National Pensions Reserve Fund. However, that is a commercial fund and such money can only be taken on a commercial basis and, consequently, if one does so to set up such a bank, one must ensure there is a return on it.

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