David Norris (Independent)

I took part in yesterday's debate on education, which was good and vigorous. I took certain electoral risks by supporting elements of Government policy but feel betrayed because the Minister clearly knew there would be cuts to special needs provision. The people affected are vulnerable, yet every agency or organ of the State that speaks out on their behalf has been dismantled. There are very few representatives left other than those in this House to speak out on their behalf. This seems to be parallel to what is occurring with the financial institutions in that people in responsible positions have been concealing toxic elements from the public gaze. The Minister is doing this and it is absolutely wrong. I am sorry I did not walk out of the commemoration of the first sitting of the Dáil in 1919 because Members are regurgitating all sorts of ideals but not acting on them. The Minister should come to the House to explain this.

I find what is occurring with the banks quite extraordinary. It seems that it will never stop and there are revelations every day. The continuous drip, as Senator Quinn referred to it, will certainly affect our international reputation. It is quite astonishing. What occurred constitutes deceit and the institutions were concealing things. Banks were collaborating and there is no question or doubt about it. Perhaps the fraud squad should become involved.

What has occurred seems to have been widespread. This morning on the radio I heard a State agency, Dublin Docklands Development Authority, is now refusing to pay interest to a bank that is owned by the taxpayers. What is going on? The same cast of characters continues to appear in regard to this issue. Will the Leader allow the question to be asked whether, at this stage and in these circumstances, it is appropriate to hazard another €7 billion of taxpayers' money in this financial maelstrom?