Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

On 23 February 2010, I raised the issue of the relationship between the Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, and Seán FitzPatrick of Anglo Irish Bank. I was shouted down in the House and the following day the Taoiseach went on "Morning Ireland" to suggest I raising this question was contemptible. Later in March, Deputy Enda Kenny raised a simple question as to whether there was a discussion with Anglo Irish Bank as to its systemic importance to the economy. The Taoiseach also found this question contemptible and of no relevance. The fact is these questions are very relevant and now the chickens are coming home to roost. It is obvious at this stage that the Taoiseach, Seán FitzPatrick and Fintan Drury, a director in the bank, were as thick as thieves and Anglo Irish Bank and Seán FitzPatrick were determining the country's banking policy for which we are now paying the price.

The Taoiseach talked about inferences being drawn from these meetings with Mr. FitzPatrick. We were asking about the facts, however. If the Taoiseach had given the facts and admitted to these meetings, we might be clear as to what inferences can reasonably by drawn. The Taoiseach has, however, been as evasive on this issue as his predecessor, Deputy Bertie Ahern, was on other matters on which he was questioned. Using such a comparison brings us to the Washington factor.

Before the last general election was called, we had to wait for the then Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, to have his outing in Washington and address Congress there. While the country is in a serious financial and economic crisis, we have to wait again for a Taoiseach to go to Washington. The issue with the calling of the next election is to get past the 17 March outing for the Taoiseach to Washington.