Brendan Kenneally (Fianna Fail)

It would be useful to have a debate with the relevant Minister, whether the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment or the Minister for Finance, arising from a decision in the Italian High Court yesterday. The Italian director of consumer affairs took a case against the banks claiming they were treating their customers inequitably by applying only a yearly interest on deposits but quarterly interest on overdrafts and loans. The court decided this was inequitable and it is estimated that 10 million Italians will benefit to the tune of between €20 billion and €30 billion as a result. The Director of Consumer Affairs here could take a similar case. I am not aware of any such case being taken here in view of which it might be appropriate to debate the matter.