Brendan Howlin (Wexford, Labour) | Oireachtas source

It is proposed in the programme for Government to sell part of the State's shareholding in Allied Irish Banks. Since March I have been questioning the wisdom of that approach, unless we can use the proceeds of the sale for the purposes of capital investment. I noted in a report over the weekend that Fianna Fáil also believed the proceeds had to be invested in infrastructure. The same report suggested many in the Taoiseach's party also believed that to be the best use of the money. It is welcome that this debate is happening in public, but as this House has not had a chance to debate the matter, I ask the Taoiseach if he will seek the support of the House before shares in Allied Irish Banks are brought to the market and if he will allow the view of the House to be ascertained?

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