Paschal Donohoe (Fine Gael)

While this is an issue on which there is a need to give the Senator in question time to respond, I emphasise it is one in which Members of the Houses of the Oireachtas from all parties will need to engage for all our sakes.

Banking is an issue that is frequently discussed in this House. The Government is committing an additional €2 billion to Anglo Irish Bank, bringing to €14 billion the amount committed to that organisation. This has occurred across the same number of days in which the Government's efforts to cut social welfare have become clear. We have been continually told that this is being done to get credit flowing again, but the Central Bank reported yesterday that credit contracted again last month by 4% after a contraction of 4% the previous month. This needs to be discussed again in the House.

I concur with my colleagues on the actions of Israel. The idea that there is international law and a community willing to be governed by it has been subject to an awful assault in recent years. This provides an opportunity for Europe and the rest of the world to say the action which took place in international waters is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.