David Norris (Independent)

I am reminded of a couple of supplementary questions I wished to ask having reviewed my notes.

I accept what Senator O'Toole said - I note the Minister was nodding in agreement - in regard to the banks' requirement to meet their tier 1 obligations and so on. However, everything else said reinforces the argument for nationalisation of the banks as they would then be required to act in the interest of their shareholders or owners, who would be the people of Ireland through the Government. I do not believe the banks' requirement to meet their obligations undermines entirely the idea of nationalisation, which I am rather inclined to favour.

Reference was made to the muzzling of members of the committee or senior civil servants, an issue on which the Minister fought a stealth battle in the Dáil, which I watched with great interest.