Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

Many questions have been thrown up and I support all the speakers including Senator Regan and others who have highlighted this issue. The Minister must answer these questions. There is concern on the Opposition side of the House. Does the Minister believe the bank is insolvent at present, or could it survive on its own? Is there an element of being reckless with taxpayers' money with this legislation? That is the thinking on this side of the House. Nothing the Minister has said tonight has convinced us otherwise. When people call for an investigation of this sort, it is because no one is providing straight answers to many simple questions put regarding the Anglo Irish Bank debacle. The footloose and fancy free attitude shown towards the law and ethics by the board and members of Anglo Irish Bank is one thing. However, the dismissal of our concerns by the Government and refusing to take on board the views of the Oireachtas is worse. There must be an inquiry, otherwise the stain will stay on Ministers and the impression that they are somehow complicit in what is happening will remain long afterwards.