Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)
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Question 148: To ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Finance if he has been advised of the extent of the use of complex financial instruments in finance, banking and investment here; if he has an estimate of the amount involved currently including in the IFSC; the principal complex financial instruments in use here; his views in relation to Irish risk exposure in respect of such instruments and vehicles; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [35949/07]

Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)
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The term "complex financial instrument" is not defined in Irish legislation and, as mentioned in the media and elsewhere, embraces a wide range of financial instruments, particularly in the area of derivatives. Accordingly, I have no data on the extent of usage of such instruments. If the Deputy has a concern about a specific instrument, I shall be happy to make further enquiries on the Deputy's behalf. The Deputy's question may relate to concerns arising from the international subprime difficulties and investments in so-called "complex financial instruments" by some financial services entities. A survey of the exposures of Irish banks published in the Financial Stability Report shows that the domestic banking system has no significant direct exposures to US subprime mortgages and essentially negligible exposures through investments and through links with other financial companies or special purpose vehicles. Accordingly, the stability and health of the banking system here remain robust as assessed by the usual indicators of financial health such as asset quality, profitability, solvency, liquidity and credit ratings.