Shane Ross (Dublin South, Independent)

I thank the Tánaiste. The Bank of Ireland was largely privately owned when the last disaster occurred in 2008. The reason we have a 15% holding, which had been larger, and two public interest directors is that it is such a vital part of the Irish economy. The appointment of its governor is a crucial decision in which the Government obviously has a key interest. My guess is that the Government did not know anything about his history, his pedigree, the mis-selling scandal at Lloyds TSB or the fact that he was a director at the time and was forced to give up his bonus.

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