Pat Rabbitte (Dublin South West, Labour)

The quantum is not fixed in this regard. It was something of a welcome breakthrough that in the most recent engagement the troika agreed that a proportion of the proceeds may be used for investment purposes in the economy. That is a significant development. As stated, however, a quantum has not been agreed and we must still bring matters to a point where the position in that regard will be defined. To some extent I get the impression that it is as a result of the agreements imposed on Greece and Portugal that Ireland will be made to comply. That is not, perhaps, the best basis for forcing the sale of State assets.

Senator Daly speaks as if the memory of being in government was long, remote and distant.