Timmy Dooley (Fianna Fail)

I join colleagues on the other side of the House in asking for a debate, at the earliest opportunity, in regard to the debacle with interest rates. What we have seen in recent days, from two, perhaps three, of the main banks, is particularly disappointing. The banks have a responsibility to their customers as well as to their stockholders. There is some concern about the profits that the banks might lose as a result of this. However, they are currently making astronomical profits and the small percentage that would be involved in giving the customers what they deserve would be appreciated. Their current stance is undermining the credibility of the ECB. While this is not specifically a Government issue, the views of this House might assist in pointing the banks towards their moral obligation to the State.