Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I second the amendment proposed to the Order of Business on holding a discussion on the relationship between the State and AIB.

People are planning to go out on strike next Tuesday. This is another nail in that coffin because they are saying that the Government is prepared to pay any amount of money to bankers while crucifying public servants once again. The logic is irrelevant because that is how the matter is perceived.

In regard to how this information entered the public arena, I have always maintained that the juicier the leak, the higher the source. In my view this leak came from a very high political source. The media predictably, incorrectly and ridiculously focused on the quantum when that was a secondary issue to the appointment of an insider to the position. AIB can claim it is unable to find anybody else in the entire world to do the job and nobody can prove it wrong because there was no process for making the appointment. The bank will now concede publicly to the Government in respect of the €500,000 while offering its man a non-cash package to make up the difference. The bank will get its man, he will get his money and the Minister will be sidelined. Once again, the score will be banks one, people nil. The only language the banks understand is pain. If they are going to get what they seek, they must sign up to an agreement.

I am aware the current situation is equally unacceptable to Government Members. I ask my colleagues on the benches opposite to take a stand by accepting the proposed amendment to the Order of Business so Senators can go on the record and ordinary people can see how we feel about the issue. What harm can it do? It would be good for the Seanad and the Government. We should be at one in finding a resolution and showing ordinary people that somebody cares for them. The banks simply must be brought to heel on this matter.