Mary Lou McDonald (Dublin Central, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I recognise the intent behind Deputy Sean Fleming's amendments. For the purposes of underscoring inclusivity and putting paid to any concerns relating to the Government delivering a ready-up in the context of the membership of a committee of inquiry, it would be useful if they were included in the Bill. I think we are all clear on the fact that in the context of the legislation before the House, we must work within the existing constitutional and legal framework. As a result, we cannot make adverse findings of fact. There is, of course, an issue of bias and there is an attempt to cater for this in the legislation. However, I cannot accept Deputy Fleming's narrative in respect of what has transpired recently with regard to any potential inquiry into banking. By definition, when an inquiry - whatever its format - is under way, it will examine what happened in the banks and a very legitimate public question that will arise will relate to the interaction or otherwise between the political system and the banking system. I do not believe that raising this issue represents bias, it merely acknowledges one dimension of what was, in some ways, a very complicated turn of events.

I am not even sure that this is the right place in which to engage in this discussion. However, I could not allow the Deputy's commentary to pass without stating that for its part, my party recognises the limitations - by definition - of any potential inquiry into banking. The latter will simply reflect the legal position. I am also of the view, however, that a methodology can be found to ensure that bias can be offset. In such circumstances, the inquiry will have to be very structured and focused and I believe this is possible. I do not buy the Fianna Fáil line that this endeavour is doomed because the Taoiseach has hurt the feelings of that party by making a legitimate political charge against it. Not so long ago, Deputy Fleming was very much in favour of an Oireachtas inquiry into banking. At that time there was some tension between the Committee of Public Accounts and the Joint Committee on Finance on the issue because people believed an inquiry would be a good thing and they all wanted to be involved. Let us not back off holding a legitimate, properly structured, disciplined and functioning public inquiry because as such it is politically awkward. People should not make charges of bias, either individual or institutional, unless they are based in fact. Neither should they make charges of bias against any potential inquiry simply because such an inquiry would be politically uncomfortable. Making such charges is dishonest.

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