Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

I appreciate that but it is very important we raise these questions in order that Members have time to think about them before the debate. There must be a level playing field.

Farmers have contacted me to say that in the past week, millions of euro have been deposited in the single farm premium in some of these banks which will not have the State guarantee. Is the Government taking responsibility for this? We must have a level playing field. There are questions in regard to breaches of constitutionality and of EU competition law.

Most worrying is the lack of specifics in the legislation. Are we giving too much power to the Minister for Finance? It is like open cheque book season. We are not only selling the family silverware but we may be selling the family home and farm as well. I implore Members to think carefully about amendments. We are all together on this but we need to ensure strong and sound legislation is adopted.