Brian Cowen (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I noted the Deputy's comment last week. The question is whether there is an existing committee that could do that. I am not sure of the significance of the Deputy suggesting a commission as distinct from a committee of House. The Government sees the need to bring forward regulatory reform, to restore public confidence in banking supervision and regulation. The Minister for Finance is being asked to bring proposals to Government as soon as possible and those will be an important component in seeking to restore confidence.

There have been indications of behaviour with which none of us would concur which does a lot of damage to the reputation of the country. From my point of view, as a Member of the House, any constructive proposal that would emanate on an all-party basis to see how we can help to ensure the integrity and reputation of the financial industry can be restored would be looked at constructively.

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