Ciarán Cannon (Progressive Democrats)

Yesterday, the Leader rightly raised the issue of the punitive fixed interest rates that still are being applied to thousands of families nationwide. Last week, his colleague, Senator Wilson, highlighted the issue of the treatment of one such family by a lending agency, which bordered on terrorism. I asked the question last week, and will continue to do so until Members get a debate on this issue, as to the level of influence the taxpayers' investment in the banking system has bought. I argue it has bought absolutely none. As for the €7 billion that has just been invested in the two main banks, not a single cent of it is trickling through to areas in which it is needed.