Richard Bruton (Dublin North Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Deputy Martin for his questions. First, this is clearly a painful legacy of a bank that was not governed by proper regulation over many years. I recall clearly that when money was first put into this bank by the previous Government, we were told it was solvent shortly after it took control. We are now entering the last act of this arrangement and it is important to bear in mind that the only actions this Government has taken in respect of Anglo and IBRC have been, first, to change the control framework - under the previous Fianna Fáil arrangement, there was no official within the IBRC to oversee what was occurring - and, second, to liquidate the bank. Both of those decisions will be vindicated by the history of this.

In terms of the question specifically raised, I give the Deputy absolute assurance that the issues raised by Deputy Doherty and others are within the terms of reference. There is no doubt about this. The Minister for Finance signalled that last night and the Attorney General, who has reviewed the documentation, has also confirmed it. There is no doubt that the issues about which Deputy Martin has raised concern are within the terms of reference and will be covered. The judge will have the power to investigate the issues raised in the debate last night. I hope that gives the Deputy assurance.

See this speech in context