Michael Collins (Cork South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Tánaiste for his offer to meet the family. That would be greatly appreciated and taken up. He received correspondence to his office. The family told me they sent full documentation and correspondence to the Tánaiste three weeks ago. Perhaps the Tánaiste did not have time to look at it. I respect that. That happens to every one of us. I would appreciate it if the Tánaiste did look at it. To date, he has not responded. The family have been at the very heart of Clonakilty all their lives. They have done no wrong and their lives have been ruined by the incompetence of many. Their agony cannot continue.

Too many livelihoods depend on the O'Donovan family. Clonakilty and its surrounds depend on this family. I spoke to a prominent businessperson in Clonakilty last week. I asked him, if I were to organise a protest in support of the family, would 5,000 people turn up. The answer he gave me was that 10,000 would turn up at the flick of a finger because this family are so highly respected in this town.

Will the Tánaiste personally meet theO'Donovan family like he said he will? As the State is AIB's largest stakeholder, the State cannot turn its back here. If it does, it is turning its back on west Cork. The State has directors on the board of this bank. I ask the Tánaiste to use every mechanism of the State to broker a solution to suit all parties to bring this sad and shocking tale to an end.

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