Mr. Matt Carthy:

Likewise, domestically we can put the supports in place that are necessary to encourage co-operative, local, small-scale banks to flourish. Given the history of the credit union and co-operative movement, our very strong community ethos in many parts of the country, I see no reason the model would not be successful here if the proper supports were put in place, especially considering the abandonment of so many towns by the larger banks. I represent 15 counties, in every one of which there are a number of small and medium-sized towns that have no bank whatsoever, which is absolutely scandalous.