Ned O'Keeffe (Cork East, Fianna Fail)

Much work needs to be done without regulation. This is the House to do all of that. We are the bosses. It is what we are elected to do. People put their confidence in us and send us to the Dáil. It should not be down to regulation and people doing the work for us.

The Bank of Ireland situation is a scandal. I understand that we can do nothing about it, but it sets a bad example and is having an effect on the community. Its effect on ordinary people is even worse than the Anglo Irish Bank situation. We know the scandals. This all goes on, but I would like to see a more practical, commonsense approach.

I wish the Minister well. I know I have given him a difficult time, but I will make no apologies for it, as that is my job.

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