Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Twomey. It is essential that the Government is open and honest with the Opposition parties and that a consensus develops. I note the Senator is now privy to the seriousness of the matter, having accompanied the Fine Gael finance spokesperson in the Dáil to the discussion. It is equally important that Senator Twomey and members of the Opposition in general also be open and honest. If a person highlights the fact that €1.5 billion or €2 billion is going to be paid in interest on the money that has been invested in the banks and if he or she does not believe this should be the case, he or she should outline his or her alternative. I do not know anyone on the Opposition benches who is promoting the idea that we should allow the country's finances to collapse.