Brian Lenihan Jnr (Dublin West, Fianna Fail)

We know the banks can be very tough with debtors. I assure the Deputy that Ministers can be tough with banks as well. However, we cannot engage in pointless rhetoric in the House. That is not a substitute for policy. Policy requires decisions. Decisions have been taken on this country's banking sector and will continue to be taken. The question of support for the economy is crucial. Deputy O'Donnell asked whether the power that has been conferred on the Minister is intended to be used as a threat, or whether it will actually happen. It is intended for both purposes. It will be used as a threat, but there will-----

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