Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

The Minister said Fine Gael did not want the support of developers, builders and bank staff. We have their support. One of our core values is the reward of enterprise. There is merit in the amendment. I support the notion that a job should be done well and I am sickened by the attitude that it does not matter. I have received ten telephone calls today from people concerned about others who are rewarded for doing a job that has not been done well. This aggravates me. We must send a message to the public through this Labour Party amendment to the effect that we will no longer condone reckless behaviour. I am not talking about middle and lower management, the ordinary bank workers who do a good job. I am talking about those who drive policy. Part of the task of the Minister is to restore confidence in the banking sector and he must send a clear and cogent message to those in charge. I urge him to take on board the suggestion of Senator O'Toole which has merit. We must rein in the people in charge of our banks.