Bertie Ahern (Dublin Central, Fianna Fail)

The Deputy is correct that the banks wield a great deal of power and control. They have many responsibilities and there are regulatory bodies to deal with them at all levels. There is disappointment about this issue. The banks are important for international trade and investment. This country does extraordinarily well from foreign direct investment. It is also an export economy, exporting approximately €80 billion worth of goods each year.

I part with the Deputy with regard to nationalising the banks. That would not be a bright idea.

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