Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

I thank the Taoiseach for his reply. I would have thought a man of the Taoiseach's intelligence and knowledge would be aware of the serious dangers of setting up two major banks of that sort. The Taoiseach and I am sure everyone else in the House will remember what happened when Allied Irish Banks and Bank of Ireland dominated the market in the past, namely, they ran a cartel or, at least, a duopoly which is the reason they have become the tyrants of the financial system here. By retreating into that position the Taoiseach is inviting them to regain the type of territorial strength they had in the past, thus being in a position once again to crucify the consumer in order to gain increased bank profits. Is the Taoiseach happy with that?

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