Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

One of the institutions was referred to by Deputy Broughan. I take it he was referring to Irish Life & Permanent. The matter to which he referred is under investigation by the Garda Síochána. It is far from clear that there was any criminal conduct involved but the matter is under investigation. There is no suggestion that the episode necessarily taints the validity of any bid it might wish to make for the EBS.

On private debt and the proposal by Dr. Bacon which I have examined, it is clear that all those matters are being examined by the working group that has been set up to deal with home owners and borrowers who have difficulties with the banks. I understand a further report from it containing recommendations that will be acted upon will be published in a matter of weeks.

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