Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Surely it should have been necessary to publish a White or Green Paper that set out the various pros and cons, have a debate and then allow the Government to make a decision. Let us consider the debate that has taken place in the media on the matter and the suggestion not to give each Senator an opportunity to make a contribution. The suggestion is virtually anti-democratic and is unacceptable. We should ask for more time.

I wish to discuss another matter. All of the recent polls show people have a growing disillusionment with politicians and politics. There is no doubt about that. We will add insult to injury if we posture about a bank inquiry, have a point scoring operation or adopt a cosmetic approach. We are right in being critical of the bank chiefs, particularly having listened to the tapes in recent days. If we do exactly the same and are not serious, focused and committed to a proper inquiry the public will not forgive us. It would add insult to injury to all of those people who suffer day in and day out as a result of the bank crisis, which is one of the most corrosive events in the history of the State. I appeal for urgency and request that we avoid gaining political party kudos. We must avoid all of that.