Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

I am not making this point in a partisan sense but contending that it really goes to the heart of what we are discussing. We are investing public money because the financial institutions cannot obtain private money. Who will give private money now?

I agree strongly with what Senator Leyden said. What we have witnessed is an act of vandalism that will go to the core of our State. Nothing less than the fraud squad appearing at the banks alleged to have been involved will give hope to the country and restore the confidence of investors abroad. If any one of the institutions proposes to pay a bonus to the people sitting on their boards, the Government should impose a levy of 99%. Every additional cent the board members are seeking should be levied in this manner. Let us have a levy the entire country can get behind.