Deputy Joe Higgins, who was in possession, has 11 minutes remaining. He will have two minutes now and nines minutes at some later stage.
Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta Bill, 2000: Second Stage (Resumed).
Question again proposed: "That the Bill be now read a Second Time."
(Dublin West): I made some points forcefully in the first part of my speech in regard to the debts accumulated by Nítrigin Éireann Teoranta and particularly the management of those debts. I was astounded when the Tánaiste in reply to a parliamentary question told me that since 1987 an incredible £188 million was paid in interest on borrowings of £164 million. It is absolutely incredible that more than the principal amount would be involved in the repayment to the banks of a debt by a semi-State company. I call on the Minister when he replies to explain in detail how this arose and why a semi-State company could have been allowed to be a milch cow for financial institutions in the way that has been allowed to happen with NET. A more serious explanation is needed. I am surprised this issue has not been raised with more prominence and that certain people in the media have not taken it up.
Debate adjourned.