Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I have always believed that Dr. Michael Somers was right in his view on not placing deposits with Anglo Irish Bank. We all had our own views, and perhaps we did not express them to a great extent, and we may have made mistakes in investing in other financial institutions but some of us never went near Anglo Irish Bank. In any event, I always believed that Dr. Michael Somers was correct. A serious point in that regard, however, is that the National Treasury Management Agency invested €40 million at a crucial point but Dr. Somers said he did that under pressure, and the reason for that pressure was never revealed. We never got an explanation as to what was the cause of that pressure.

I am sure the Leader will enlighten us but now that the financial resolutions have been passed in the other House it is not necessary for the Finance Bill to come before this House, as has been pointed out by Senator White or another Senator. There is a four month gap allowed in that regard. The Finance Bill is not essential. I know the Green Party is making a virtue of necessity in that regard-----