Paschal Donohoe (Dublin Central, Fine Gael)
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I was not being flippant with the Chairman. Generally, the Minister, Deputy Ring, and I do not disagree and we do not disagree on this report either. However, the report has consequences for another Department. I am working with the Minister for Communications, Climate Action and Environment, Deputy Naughten, at the moment on the report. The Minister, Deputy Ring, and I are reasonably happy with where it stands. Generally, we agree, but on this report in particular we agree too.

We will have a release soon on the second question the Chairman put to me regarding what we are doing to attract new entrants.

On that issue and on the question of traditional banks generally, it is unlikely in the short term that we will see any new significant retail banks entering Ireland in light of the increased nationalisation of international banking chains. However, a sector is developing within the financial technology sector, with many newly-formed companies examining ways to lend directly to consumers. None of those are active in Ireland and, in truth, only a few are active in Europe, but my Department and I are considering whether we can do anything to stimulate growth in that sector.