Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I will assist the Deputy if he resumes his seat. It is the normal courtesy. The two Opposition leaders have requested an extension of time for the statements on banking, to which the Government is willing to accede. That can be organised by the Whips in terms of extending the debate beyond Question Time today for several hours or arranging for it to be dealt with next week. Usually if there is a question and answer session under these situations, it is at the end of statements. What Deputy English wants is a few statements, a few questions and answers, a few statements and so on.

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