Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have already indicated on the record that the Minister did not say anything that was not in line with what the situation was at the time and I do not see any purpose in continuing with that line of approach. It was an issue to be addressed and if the Deputy wants to have it dealt with seriously, we should take it seriously.

The meetings will begin tomorrow and we should allow those meetings to progress and, until such time as we see what emerges from that, I do not believe we should breach the confidentiality of those discussions other than to let people know in general terms what is involved. It is important to reiterate that people throughout the country need to know that this is a structural issue that is being spoken about. There is no issue whatsoever regarding individual issues with banks and people's own accounts, etc. Those deposits are guaranteed and the ECB stands fully behind those banks.

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