Shane Ross (Independent)

While I know the Leader has had difficulties with the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, I support what Senator O'Toole said. It is not acceptable that a review of auctioneering promised to this House has not happened. It is not good enough that promises made by a Minister in this House should be ignored by his officials. I am not pointing a sword or a finger at the auctioneering business. I am just looking for a review, which was promised last May and has not materialised.

Senator Ryan's comments on tax evasion are important, as I also heard what the head of the Revenue Commissioners said. I am tired of hearing the Revenue Commissioners will prosecute hundreds of small individuals and then tell the Oireachtas committee they will do nothing about the banks. In this case, the individuals concerned were traduced into this by people in the banks. The only penalty that the banks or those working for them have paid in the case of tax evasion through bogus non-resident accounts is a payment of €30 million in the case of Bank of Ireland and somewhat more in the case of AIB. They have paid with other people's money for offences committed by their staff. This is not acceptable.