David Norris (Independent)

I join Senator Twomey in paying tribute to decent, ordinary and simple values. I particularly mention Macra na Feirme which helped to organise the response among local communities, the ushers who did a terrific job, the Gresham Hotel near me and the planning office.

On the comments made by the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government, Deputy Gormley, there was worse. The Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Ó Cuív - Dev Óg - said the Government was out of control and that it was time to pray. That is not an inspiring message.

I am concerned that, through the memorandum of understanding, an unelected group of bankers has firmly tied us down and prevented us from burning senior bondholders. We are in a battle with forces in Europe who are speculating against the euro in the hope of bringing it down. This is a war with clever people. On the continent of Europe is there not enough wit among our financial wizards to put together an array of armaments to fire back at these - the word I intended to use is unparliamentary - unscrupulous and devious people? Let us punish them for inflicting such misery on others.

I agree with Senator Donohoe on the obscene spectacle of leading bankers rewarding themselves with bonuses. As wild figures are thrown around, I do not know the truth of the statement I heard on the wireless that bankers in Britain had awarded themselves £7 billion in total. It was pointed out that £7 billion was the same amount as the cutting measures in Britain. If that is true, the money is being transferred from the poor to the rich. That is why I object so strenuously to the bondholders who are wealthy individuals. Let us take them on.