Pearse Doherty (Sinn Fein)

As Members meet today, a couple of hundred yards away gardaí from the fraud squad are carrying out raids on the headquarters of Anglo Irish Bank. I am sure this will be welcomed by the public because there is a clear need to move on the bankers and gangsters who at least partially got us into this mess. There also is a need to stop the drip-feed of information. Undoubtedly, carrying out the raid at this time will damage our reputation internationally. Last weekend, I read that Ministers stated that the names of the golden circle undoubtedly would be revealed in time and that the Government would welcome this. Again, this drip-feed effect will have a damaging impact on our economy and reputation. I suggest that Seanad or Dáil privilege should be used to let the people know exactly who was bailed out when this guarantee was given.