Michael McCarthy (Labour)

In light of the manner in which they have operated, the banks have literally brought the economy and the country to their knees. Is the Leader of the opinion that it is fair that the former chief executive of the Financial Regulator should have obtained the severance package with which he was provided when he left his position? It is clear that questions remain to be asked about the way this individual did his job. Does it make sense or is it fair that in the week when we expect lower paid public servants such as teachers, gardaí and nurses to pay a pension levy, when 139 special needs teachers are being removed from the education system, thereby depriving the children who need them of their services, and when so much is happening in the political arena and elsewhere, the former chief executive of the Financial Regulator should receive such a severance package? Is the granting of this package justifiable? Does the individual in question deserve a retirement package as handsome as that which he has received? Does this man deserve a pension of €2,500 per week?