Dara Murphy (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
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I welcome Mr. Considine and Mr. Walsh. We previously met with other board members of banks and it is fair to say that we were unhappy with significant parts of what they told us. Much of the tetchiness the witnesses may encounter this morning results from the fact that we were unhappy about the level of engagement by Bank of Ireland and Mr. Boucher in particular. It is true that we only own 15% of Bank of Ireland but that bank would not exist without the Irish taxpayer. I had hoped public interest directors would hold positions which differed from the other directors. While Mr. MacSharry, Mrs. Hayes, Mr. Walsh and Mr. Considine are undoubtedly fine directors, I have yet to see any justification for appointing public interest directors. I hope the witnesses will help me to change my opinion. Were they additional to the existing board or did they replace two other board members?