Kieran O'Donnell (Limerick East, Fine Gael)

Deputy Curran is missing the point. It is our assertion that there is a large group of people who may never use electronic means of making money transfers. These individuals are comfortable using cheques and they should be allowed to continue to use them. As Deputy Ring stated, it is their money; it does not belong to the banks. If people want to use cheques to take money from their accounts, they should be entitled to do so. The Taoiseach neglected to mention that this measure will cost people €17 million, which is a huge sum.

My party opposes this resolution. The Minister for Finance, Deputy Cowen, spoke about being fair and equitable. What we are seeking is nothing more than equity for people who have money in banks.

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