Mattie McGrath (Tipperary, Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is clear that the Tánaiste is trying to distance himself and the Government from the ECB and its policies because it suits him. However, it must be noted that last year, the Government rolled out the red carpet for the ECB President, Ms Christine Lagarde, during her visit to Government Buildings. This presented a prime opportunity for the Government and the Minister, Deputy Donohoe, on behalf of the people, to question this policy. The Government has not raised this issue publicly or in any other forum which is a failure to protect the interests of all borrowers, especially the domestic side of the economy. Small businesses, farmers, fishermen, tourism and the hospitality sector all are affected by this. It is a major issue.

How can any Irish Government stand idly by and allow the unelected cabal of the ECB to cause so much pain and suffering in this country? We had it already, in 2008, with the forced so-called "bailout". The cleanout and the pressure and blackguarding that the European banks and funds did to this country was supported by the Tánaiste.

The Government must act. I will not deny that these little frills help, but the elephant in the room is the interest rates and the failure of the hikes to bring down inflation. It is not happening.

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