Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

To the best of my knowledge there is no legal impediment to doing this. I have several points to make on this issue. I am glad the debate has brought to light the pay structures in our banks. The reality that a very large number of the staff we are discussing do not earn very large amounts of money, although some do earn good salaries and I acknowledge that. This decision will be very meaningful to them. The team that produced the report for me with which I engaged on making the recommendation to the Government had to contemplate several challenges. I find it interesting that the Deputy has said that if I were to say variable pay would be available for people earning up to €100,000, he would not have had a problem with it. I can only take it in good faith that he would not have a problem with it. At least what is valuable for me is that he is acknowledging that there is a role for variable pay in banking remuneration. This is good to hear from the Deputy.