Mattie McGrath (Tipperary South, Independent) | Oireachtas source

Yes, only cúpla seachtaine ó shin we passed legislation on this issue in the middle of the night. There is a human story in this. We spoke about fairness this morning agus gach rud mar sin. The staff of Anglo Irish Bank must be treated fairly. They have given sterling service and, as such, they are entitled to be respected. They are now helping the receiver to recoup what he can for taxpayers. Surely they are entitled to some dignity, respect and appreciation for what they did? We also have na duine eile, the significant number of people who have instigated proceedings against Anglo Irish Bank, as they are entitled to do. I am not referring to Sean Quinn but other cases before the courts. What kind of democracy allows us, with a stroke of a pen, to banish legal cases that are costing a great deal of money from the courts? We cannot do this at the stroke of a pen. I put this ceist to the Taoiseach and an tAire Airgeadais, Deputy Michael Noonan, ar an oiche sin when I approached the former and asked him about individuals whose court cases were being dismissed, put on hold or forgotten. They are also citizens who should be protected by the Constitution, as should the workers in Anglo Irish Bank.

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