David Norris (Independent)

I find myself largely in agreement with Senator O'Toole on this matter. These amendments come between the Short Title and the purpose of the Bill. They seek to obtain as much disclosure, accountability, openness and oversight as possible. I can completely concur with that. This is the single most important legislation this House has seen in my period as a Member because it concerns the fate and welfare of the entire country's economic circumstances. This may not be the correct place to ask these questions but, in the spirit of openness and transparency, perhaps the Minister can guide me as to where I may appropriately ask them.

In the Dáil debate, the question of the special purpose vehicles was raised. The Bill does not seem to make any great provision for them on a statutory basis. Will the Minister be kind enough to explain to me the point in this debate at which it will be appropriate to consider them? They are very interesting. I am not sure whether it would be good to give them a statutory basis if they do not have one. I am interested in them because, although I understand completely the reasons behind them, they are accounting reasons. This is an area in respect of which the public needs to be reassured. The activities of the aforementioned Mr. Fitzpatrick are almost analogous in terms of the burying of material that was inconvenient to be disclosed. Although that is not what the Government intends and the measures are being introduced openly, we need to be reassured as much as possible. Perhaps the Minister will tell me when it will be appropriate to open a short discussion on this matter.

I agree completely with the purpose of the amendments. I was very impressed with the Minister's performance last night. He was clear and decisive and was able to take up awkward questions and deal with them convincingly on the hoof. This is what we need in dealing with these very difficult financial circumstances. I am concerned that a multiplication of committees of various kinds could lead to a diffusion of energy and responsibilities if we are not particularly careful. This could be very difficult.

Taking into account the kinds of debates that have occurred, both on the Order of Business and during discussions on financial matters, I note that, even in this House, there is sometimes lamentable polarisation and a lack of unity with regard to the national purpose. It is not realistic that Fine Gael expects, on foot of its amendment, that the Government will be likely to vote in favour of handing the chairmanship of the committee supervising NAMA over to a Member of the Opposition automatically. This is not politically realistic at all, although I cannot think of a better candidate than Deputy Richard Bruton, who has shown the same qualities of leadership and incisiveness as the Minister. It would not be acceptable to any Government to hand over the chairmanship of this extraordinarily important committee, if established.