Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

It is little wonder that people are losing faith in the system. We have proof yet again this morning that the banks have not told the truth or the whole truth. How can we trust them with taxpayers' money? It is incumbent on the Government, particularly the Minister for Finance, to find ways to make them more accountable and to make that as foolproof as possible. There has been one rule for one and one rule for the other.

I was saddened this week when I heard the news of the resignation of Niall Crowley from the Equality Authority. In my constituency I had at least two cases where I found him very helpful. He was straight-talking, with no bureaucratic rubbish and he gave good advice. The issue was sorted without huge fees being encountered. What is the Government doing by cutting the authority's budget by 43%? I call on the Leader to ask the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy Dermot Ahern, to seek the reinstatement of Niall Crowley.