Larry Butler (Fianna Fail)

We have to hold a proper debate on the banking crisis. The contributions which I have heard in this House are not helping the situation in terms of our international standing. We need to take responsibility and be measured in what we say as we deal with the banking crisis in a proper way as legislators in this House. I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the possibility of new legislation to govern the banking system to ensure we have a proper such system that is recognised internationally. The current system and the people who run it have failed us. It is now time that we in this House, instead of throwing muck or indulging in ill-considered debate, which some Opposition Members have done, would meet their responsibility to the 1.8 million people who work and have livelihoods in this country.