Joan Burton (Dublin West, Labour)

They are buying products by remortgaging their homes for high prices. Eighteen months after being initially asked about this matter, the Minister is now saying that some regulation is needed. While that is to be welcomed, some of these products are excessively risky. I hope all the wonderful people in the European Central Bank and beyond who are advising the Minister can come down to the level of ordinary people's experiences. In the long run, there is no such thing as money for nothing when it comes to financial services. In the end it is a question of balance. People make money from financial services but long term they must provide a decent service at reasonable prices. That is what this is about. If they over-egg the pudding and take stupid risks on which they make short-term billions, we will be left holding the baby.

See this speech in context