Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It was reported.

I agree with the Leader and with Senator Darragh O'Brien, leader of the Opposition, in regard to their words of caution lest any of us might prejudice any case that might arise from both the Garda inquiries and those of the Director of Public Prosecutions, which I understand are continuing in many cases, regarding the revelations made in these tapes. We must ask why did the leak occur now, so many years later. Who is at work behind the scenes and for what reason? Of course the public deserves answers. We need to establish why there was a failure to explain the facts surrounding our banks' collapse, and the need for the guarantee. It looks now as though the Government of the day was codded, hoodwinked and lied to. Very serious matters are involved regarding Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide, and perhaps others.

As the Taoiseach stated, he has no paperwork to inform or advise him as between the banks of the time and the Government of the time. Perhaps there are more tapes. We need a proper inquiry and I support the calls made in that regard, as I always have. It is coming very late but is still needed. We have had the reports of Watson, Regling and others. Perhaps what we have had will be able to serve as a book, or books, of evidence, in regard to that inquiry. It will need tight terms of reference. We have been guaranteed that the Government is dealing with it, will continue to do so, and will have in place legislation before we rise for the summer recess. I wish that work well.