Michael Colreavy (Sligo-North Leitrim, Sinn Fein)

First, I wish to answer Deputy Donohoe who asked how Sinn Féin proposed to pay for this. We should all be aware, including Deputy Donohoe, that some €30 billion, plus €17 billion in interest, is going to Anglo Irish Bank, which is now known as IBRC. This money is not morally or legally the responsibility of the Irish people. If we add to that the €28 billion in interest on that borrowing over 20 years, we come to the considerable sum of €75 billion. That would make some impression on Ireland's debt-to-GDP ratio.

Second, I refer Deputy Donohoe to Sinn Féin's pre-budget submission which showed that by introducing a wealth tax and capping some public service pay, including politicians' pay and some other measures, we could meet our annual revenue requirements without this austerity treaty.

Third, it is untrue that Sinn Féin supported the bank bailout. Sinn Féin did support measures to overcome what was described as a liquidity problem for the banks, but within a week it became very clear-----

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