Professor Patrick Honohan:

First, I do not see that as something that is coming down the track very soon. I know the Government has kept it on the agenda and it is right to do so, but let us be realistic about it. I do not see it coming down the track. Any such action would put the Government's finances in a stronger position. It would allow the Government to do things it cannot afford to do now. Whatever it chose to spend that on - be it some form of relief to this or that person, or for some other purposes - it would put the Government in a better position to do the things it needs and wants to do. It is not specific to banking.