John McGuinness (Carlow-Kilkenny, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Before calling Deputy Pearse Doherty, I want to make a point to Professor Lane. The information you are giving to the committee members this morning, or the lack of it, is striking. I would have thought, with regard to the questions you have been asked by Senator O'Donnell and Deputy McGrath, who was particularly trying to set the scene, that you should have had those figures ready for the committee. You knew what was coming here. Are you bullied by the banks? Is the Central Bank able for the banks? That really is the question that emerges in my mind from listening to the exchanges you have had with Senator O'Donnell and Deputy McGrath. I would conclude, from the information you are giving and how you are approaching this, that you are afraid of the banks - you are afraid to take them on.