Bernard Durkan (Kildare North, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Of course, that may well be the case but, unfortunately, the public may draw their own conclusions and come to the conclusion that it was in retaliation. I questioned the chief executive on that and he also said it did not happen. I believe that from the point of view of a customer, the conclusion will inevitably be reached that there was some correlation. I know the Minister said that there was not but I would have to say the customers will come to that conclusion.

Two events occurred in the same seven days, one of which was the fine and then what some people call the retaliation. In future, could it be understood that in the event of any major changes being made, whether the shares held by the Department of Finance change or dissipate entirely or whatever the case may be, it would be advisable for any bank to make such an announcement well in advance of what it proposes to do given the impact it might have on the customer base, and with particular reference to customers needing some kind of security and reassurance that they were working in safe hands?