Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I was here last week and the week before as the Leader well knows. The document to which Senator Alex White has drawn our attention should be made available to Members.

I also support Senator Fitzgerald's amendment to the Order of Business. Are talks in progress concerning the proposed recapitalisation of Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland? If so, is there a timetable for them? The longer this process is delayed, the longer confidence will be absent in the marketplace. As we all know, it is an intangible matter but without it much damage is being done every day. It is a most important matter and I appreciate it is top of the Minister for Finance's agenda. However, we are still in the dark as to its progress. I would appreciate if the Leader would inform us as to the Government's view on the recapitalisation programme and where matters stand.