John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I concur with Senator McCarthy, who struck the nail on the head when he discussed the issues surrounding the famous game of golf between the Taoiseach and Mr. Seán FitzPatrick. It was not simply a meeting between two friends or a meeting between a businessman and a politician. It took place in a context, namely, in the aftermath of the collapse in the share price of Anglo Irish Bank, the bank of which Mr. FitzPatrick was such an integral part. Moreover, it took place at a time when that bank was lending money to individuals to buy shares in itself to prop up its share price, which is an illegal activity. It is beyond belief to suggest that such a meeting could take place in which the Taoiseach and Mr. FitzPatrick did not have a discussion regarding the position of Anglo Irish Bank. I join other Members in asking the Leader to suggest that the Taoiseach might avail of an opportunity in this House to explain his connection to Mr. FitzPatrick. I refer to the connections of that day and others that may exist between leading people within Fianna Fáil and those who were in charge of Anglo Irish Bank because ultimately, the decision to bail out that bank has brought the country to its present position.

At the time, Members were informed that Anglo Irish Bank was of systemic importance. Many Government people believed that if Anglo Irish Bank could be supported, the difficulties faced by Allied Irish Banks in particular were not as severe as they subsequently have proven to be and that it would not be necessary to invest the money to recapitalise that bank. However, because so much already has been invested in Anglo Irish Bank, the State effectively has been undermined. I do not often disagree with my neighbour, Senator Walsh, but I was a bit shocked at his barefaced cheek in suggesting in this Chamber that the Opposition - I believe his particular target was the Labour Party - was undermining the State. It beggars belief to listen to a Fianna Fáil Member criticising the Opposition for undermining the State, as its Members have managed successfully to do that themselves in recent years. I will not listen to lectures from him or from anyone else on that subject.

I join colleagues in seeking a full debate with the Minister for Health and Children in respect of health insurance and the announcement by the VHI of the forthcoming huge increase in its premiums. I also join Senator Healy Eames and others who have asked for a full debate on the Hunt report, which was published yesterday. It is a strategy for the future of third level education and is an interesting document. While much of the media coverage has focused on its findings in respect of fees and loans, it also outlines a future nationwide system of universities of technology. I note the institutes of technology in the Dublin region already are considering a form of strategic alliance for the establishment of a Dublin university of technology. In common with colleagues on all sides of both Houses, I have long supported the concept of a university for the south-eastern region. Such a university, based on the Waterford Institute of Technology, the Institute of Technology, Carlow and the Tipperary Institute, would bring major benefits to my native region and I seek such a debate as soon as possible.

I agree with Senator Mullen's suggestion on a cross-party committee on who should go where for St. Patrick's Day. While this sounds like a good idea I will, as always, go to Graiguenamanagh for St. Patrick's Day. It is where the best parade in the south east is held every year and I invite everyone to attend.