Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I completely support the view that we should have an in-depth discussion on the terms of reference. We raised these issues last night and they were also discussed previously.

The question to be asked about Anglo Irish Bank is very simple and has been raised by all sides. It has been dealt with by the Minister for Finance who seems to have changed his mind or, at least, vacillated on a number of occasions. The question concerns whether it is better to save the bank or let it die, or what element of it can be allowed to die.

I do not want to have the same discussion time after time. What I would like to see are the various top-level figures for the cost of allowing the bank to die or retaining it. I have heard various figures and cannot work them out or decide which are correct. Like every Member of each House, I would like to see the figures, as would the general public. When one knows what the figures are, one simply chooses the cheapest option. I do not know what is the cheapest option. Knowing the figures is important in determining the terms of reference. I ask that this specific issue be discussed in the House and that the specific information that would allow us to come to a conclusion be made available to us. People should be asked to do their sums and put them in front of us, thus allowing us to make a decision. I do not share the view that one can just let the bank die but believe there could be an orderly winding down as long as that is the best, most appropriate and cheapest option.

The Catholic Church has finally been flushed out on the civil partnership issue. The Minister for Justice and Law Reform is to be congratulated for saying he is holding his position on it. The Green Party is holding its position on it also. Many have difficulties with the legislation and I have received many representations from people opposed to it. I have made the same point to everybody, namely, that if it is unconstitutional, they should show me the amendment that would make it constitutional. The matter should be dealt with in an appropriate, legislative way, not in an unfair discriminatory manner, as now proposed by the Catholic Church.