Frances Fitzgerald (Fine Gael)

Serious questions arise regarding the Minister's authority and influence. Taxpayers are investing €54 billion in our banking system to make it function properly again. Last week, we discussed whether the guidelines had any statutory weight but it now appears they are voluntary. The small businesses and mortgage holders who followed the Cabinet's deliberations on whether money would be put aside for them must be concerned about the extent of the Minister's influence on AIB. What faith can they have that action will be taken on the flow of credit and helping mortgage holders with negative equity if there is doubt on these two issues of principle, namely, the cap on pay and insider appointments? I oppose the Order of Business and ask that the Minister come to the House today to discuss these critical issues.