David Norris (Independent)

For that reason Members require a clear explanation of what is, on the surface at least, a clear contradiction between what a Minister and his Minister of State have said. The Minister of State has noted that the Minister does not have the power to direct the Office of the Director of Corporate Enforcement and so on. For these reasons and because of such clear gaps Members need precisely the investigation proposed. One must remember the people are footing the bill. Ordinary people are paying for this casino that paraded itself as a bank. The Minister of State has stated authoritatively but without giving Members substantial supporting evidence that there was no run on the bank. If that is so, why did I hear of it on the radio while abroad? It certainly appears to have been given wide currency internationally that there was a run on the bank. If there was no run on it, what is the precise reason for the nationalisation? Senator Ross also asked this question which is extremely pertinent.