Martin Kenny (Sligo-Leitrim, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

While that is welcome news, we have been hearing for a long time about imminent publication. As such, the Minister will understand the frustration that is out there. A large section of the public, in particular in rural Ireland, has seen bank services withdrawn. I have spoken to the Minister about this on numerous occasions as high street banks have closed down all over the country. Not only are banks closing down, small businesses and farmers are finding it more difficult to access loans at appropriate rates. That is the reality for many people, in particular in rural areas. The public banking model is about regionalised banks which focus on the region in which they are situated to provide keen interest rates and look after the people. It is not driven by profit and making maximum profits for shareholders. It is a model which resonates strongly with the public due to the negative experience they have had with the financial sector in Ireland.

I appeal to the Minister to get the report published. We have heard for some time the phrase "in a few weeks". Reading through newspaper articles, I see we have been told the report would be published within a number of weeks on several occasions, including last January, last April and, again, today. We need to get this report published as quickly as possible.

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