Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

I am sure that in the talks that are proceeding, from the Government point of view the figures to be determined are being discussed. The figure of €85 billion is being bandied about and I again ask approximately what, from the Government's point of view, are we talking about in this regard? Is it €60 billion or €65 billion for banks and the rest for running services? In addition, surely there must have been some fix as to what will be the approximate interest rate.

Members read today that the State is to take over a majority shareholding in the Bank of Ireland, despite the comments a few weeks ago by the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Sport that all was well there. All Members can agree on the urgency of the need to repair, restructure and adequately capitalise the banking system in order that it can provide for the lifeblood of the economy and get credit flowing again to business. There is now serious concern about the scale of debt the country is incurring. How does the Taoiseach propose to ensure a fair sharing of the costs between the taxpayer and investors in the banks, including some of the bond holders, in a way that protects the Irish State from bankruptcy? This is a very serious question that is now on the minds of thousands of people.

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