Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Minister made a very interesting observation on the interest charged by the banks. He made reference to non-performing loans. It is a new observation in our dealings with the banks. I have two questions. When the banks reach the point at which they have dealt with the non-performing loans, how much difference will that make to the interest they charge relative to European norms? Moreover, how does the Minister regard the current financial state of the banks in which, on behalf of the Irish taxpayer and the Government, he has a substantial investment? Those are the two questions which arise from the points the Minister raised.