Jimmy Deenihan (Kerry North-West Limerick, Fine Gael)

I propose to take Questions Nos. 45 and 47 together.

I refer the Deputies to my previous replies on this matter. I met the chair and chief executive of the Bank of Ireland and had a constructive engagement on the issues. That positive dialogue is continuing with the Bank of Ireland.

At the time of my initial suggestion, the future ownership of the bank was in question. My raising of the issue was exploratory and it came to unintended public attention. Clearly, too, it caught the public imagination. This building was the first purpose-built parliament in Europe. Completed in 1739, the building served as Ireland's Parliament until the Act of Union in 1801. By extension, the question of its future use was entirely appropriate, given its resonances throughout public, cultural and civic life in this country.

Ireland has a rich literary heritage, and this building was a forum for the great parliamentary orators of the 18th century. In more recent years, the building has provided the backdrop for many iconic moments, including the addresses by two great political orators of our time, Presidents Clinton and Obama.

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