Gerry Adams (Louth, Sinn Fein)

Is leis an phobal an t-airgead seo, ach inniu tabharfaidh an Rialtas €700 milliúin d'airgead an phobail d'Anglo Irish Bank. Seo rogha an Taoisigh. Ni bhaineann sé le Fianna Fáil ach leis an Taoiseach agus an Rialtas. This is the Taoiseach's choice, his decision. He did not even allow a debate on this issue yesterday in the House. Why is the money being paid? This bank is fully nationalised. A total of €30 billion of taxpayers' money has been ploughed into it.

I offer a suggestion as to why it is being paid. The golden circle is still in place. The chairman of this bank, formerly known as Anglo Irish Bank, is a former leader of Fine Gael. He still keeps his double pension, worth €100,000 a year, as well as receiving €150,000 in yearly salary from his present position as chairman. He thinks these bondholders should be paid with the people's money and the Taoiseach agrees. It is the Taoiseach's choice and the people have to pay for it.

Why does the Taoiseach not telephone Mr. Alan Dukes before 12 noon and tell him not to pay this money? Will he name the bondholders? Who are they? Let us have their names and a wee bit of transparency on this issue.

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