Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I join with the Leader and Senator Cummins in expressing sympathy following the horrible tragedies that have befallen the people of Donegal. To lose one or two lives is tragic enough, but to lose eight in such a close knit community is dreadful. This is a reminder to all of us of the whole issue of road safety. I join with the other speakers in expressing sympathy on behalf of the Labour Party members of the House to the families of those who have lost their lives and to the community in Donegal which will be marked for some time because of this appalling tragedy.

I wish to raise the issue of Anglo Irish Bank. In the past week it has been in the headlines for two different reasons. First, because of the bankruptcy application of its former chairman and second, because of the fact that it may well take more money from the taxpayer. I have stated consistently in this House what I wish to be done. What happened in the case of its former chairman was inevitable. Unfortunately when one examines the financial scandal and the role of Anglo Irish Bank, no one has taken responsibility for it. Thousands of people are still affected by negative equity, house repossessions and unemployment. They have really paid the price for the economic collapse of the country. However, there is still no financial responsibility for it. Now, we believe there may be more money pumped into Anglo Irish Bank. When will the Government realise this is no longer an option and engage in an orderly wind down? Some €22 billion has already gone in and possibly more billions are to come. Is it any wonder people are up in arms? I realise we are at the end of term and it is unrealistic to expect any movement in the House on this issue. However, as we go towards the summer recess it is an issue of which we must be cognisant.

Last week, in response to a parliamentary question, the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy John Gormley, admitted that no decisions has yet been taken with regard to the e-voting machines. In a climate where we are penny-pinching and saving and the Government is engaging in cutting and generally targeting vulnerable groups in society, it is a disgrace that no decision has been taken in respect of the electronic voting machines. The whole saga was marked by financial imprudence, bad decision making and political blindness. However, these machines are still costing the taxpayers a fortune in storage costs. There is still no decision on the contracts under which these machines are being stored. It is ridiculous. Can we get some indication of when the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government intends to deal with this matter conclusively, once and for all?