Seanad debates

Thursday, 27 March 2003

Central Bank and Financial Services Authority of Ireland Bill 2002: Second Stage.

 

The issues of bank interest and borrowing should be addressed. One must acknowledge that interest rates on loans, including mortgages, have decreased. In spite of progress in this regard, bank profits in Ireland are double those in other countries. The McDowell report is the font of all wisdom. I have read it and, as the Minister will know, it includes a section comparing Ireland with other jurisdictions. It examined the kinds of regimes that operated in 19 countries in terms of consumer interest and the prudential sector. It emerged that 16 of the 19 countries had shied away from the merger of regulation with consumer interest. As they did not regard it as the appropriate model, why should we introduce it here?

Comments

No comments

Log in or join to post a public comment.