Seán Barrett (Dún Laoghaire, Fine Gael)

I join with Deputy Higgins in wishing the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Martin, every success in the future and thank him for his service.

I am struck by this issue of money belonging to ordinary people being stolen by dictators who are being given comfort in other countries. Any ordinary person wishing to open a bank account must answer questions on money laundering and supply a utility bill as proof of address. I am surprised that so-called civilised states are tolerating the movement into their vaults of vast sums of money and gold without any great difficulty.

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