Jim O'Callaghan (Dublin Bay South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

While I welcome the Tánaiste's empathy, the families need more than empathy and reassurance. They need a statement from the Government as to what it is going to do. All we have received from Government to date are statements of intent and attempts to frighten the banks, which have manifestly failed. People need to be told and, in particular, the banks must be informed as to what the Government intends to do. At present we have vague threats and indications of what steps may be taken.

In her response, the Tánaiste mentioned that legislation may be introduced, the tax code changed, or levies imposed. People need specifics on that. We have gone past the stage of issuing threats to the banks. Threats do not work with the banks. We must take action. It is only in this House and on the part of Government that action can be taken. Without that action, we are letting down the individuals concerned. As opposed to statements from the Minister for Finance, the Taoiseach or the Tánaiste, can we have some specifics as to what the Government intends to do? She mentioned, for instance, that legislation will be considered. What legislation is she talking about? The people are entitled to know.

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