John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

We did it not to save the banks but to save the economy. If we had not saved the banks at the time, bank doors could have closed, ATMs would have stopped working, salaries would not have been paid and the economy would have been seriously damaged. We collectively took decisions at the time. I have no doubt the public will shortly have its say. I hope the Opposition will rise to the challenge and support the budget that will be introduced this day two weeks.