Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)

Would it be possible to discuss with the Minister for Finance the levels of tax that people pay? The British Government has introduced personal tax statements to make the tax system more transparent and understandable. There is a perception that, if not for the banking crisis, our country would not be in difficulty. However, there is a deficit. People need to be made more aware of how the taxes they pay every month or week are being utilised by the Government. We should consider introducing this system.

On my way to the Chamber, I heard that AIB was proposing to charge transaction fees in respect of customers with less than €2,500 in their current accounts. The Minister should consider this matter urgently. The people with the least money will be hammered again.