Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Yesterday the Garda searched the offices of Anglo Irish Bank. While most people welcome this development, I want to raise some questions on the Government's role in this regard. It is very clear the Government knew about the existence of the so-called golden circle for almost a year, yet the matter is only now being investigated. I am obviously aware there are legal constraints but there are certain legitimate questions that must be asked.

The Government also knew about the extraordinary transactions between Irish Life & Permanent and Anglo Irish Bank, yet these are only now being investigated. People throughout the country are asking why it took so long for the Government to act. A reporter who wrote an article in the Irish Independent today spoke to a go-between who stated one member of the golden circle claims not to have been approached by anyone for information on his or her involvement in the matter. In spite of this, the Garda raided the bank yesterday. One wonders, one year on, what evidence will be available in the bank, given that the information has been known for so long.

I raise these questions because the key issue concerns confidence and the Government's overall map. We still have not got from the Government the overall map for national recovery. We have not got the overall map for banking, managing the country's economy or retraining and support for those who have become unemployed. Every day we hear stories of people who are facing extraordinary hardship. We need answers from the Government as to how those becoming unemployed today will receive help, be it in respect of mortgages, retraining or upskilling. These are very serious questions.

The Minister for Education and Science stated this morning that there are 254 teacher posts being lost and the INTO stated there are 1,000. Will the Minister state the rationale for these losses, given that every school is crying out for more support for children with special needs and those who require special attention in one way or other? It seems extraordinary that we face the loss of 1,000 teaching posts. We in this House have called for the protection of front-line services. I am very concerned about this.

The Leader agreed with me yesterday that every effort should be made to protect front-line services. However, without debate in this House or the Dáil, front-line services are being attacked, be it in respect of health or education. Hospitals are being closed down in Dublin and around the country and this is happening without political accountability and without any Minister coming to this House. There is talk of cross-party support but all I hear is denigration of the efforts of the Opposition to put forward constructive solutions. The Government is not accepting our motion tonight, which is very constructive and would give the banking sector a fresh start.