Timmy Dooley (Clare, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Surely the banks have got the message at this stage if the Government is expressing its message in the way we would have thought. Clearly, they believe this is a cotton wool exercise in the Government's approach and that it is taking a "softly softly" approach. Does the Tánaiste firmly believe the banks should reduce the variable interest rate? Will she address the issue today? Just as importantly, if she believes there should be a reduction, what will the Government do about it? Is it just a matter of waiting until June for the report from the Governor or will the Government address the issue by imposing a levy on the banks? They have been given adequate time and they know the concerns - they are real - of the Government. They certainly know the concerns of this side of the House. Will the Tánaiste move quickly to address this matter and make it very clear to the banks that they either act now or the Government will impose a levy on them?

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