David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the publication of the banking inquiry report despite all the hiccups, the threats of legal action, the problems about the date and all the rest of it. I compliment my colleague, Senator Barrett, on his participation in this important report and also the other Members of the Seanad, particularly Senator MacSharry. I was just out of hospital at the time the inquiry was established and it was my vote that put Senator MacSharry onto the inquiry. I did it very deliberately in order to ensure that there was not a Government majority, that the inquiry could not be used for political purposes and that it would be fully independent. I was astonished that the media universally picked up that it was a Fianna Fáil plot. Fianna Fáil was open-mouthed in astonishment when I voted the way I did at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges or whatever committee it was. I would like to put that on the record.

I am really saddened and shocked by the fact that certain documents are being retained out of the public view and that others will be destroyed. That is completely and utterly wrong.