Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

Contrary to other speakers, I welcome yesterday's announcement that we are going to have an inquiry into the banking situation. Last week, there were many empty seats at the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service when we discussed the issue. I welcome the fact, however, that many more people want to discuss it now. I welcome the Government's approach whereby we will have two preliminary reports, one by the Central Bank and another by a so-called wise international expert. That will help us to frame the appropriate terms of reference for a statutory commission to investigate this matter. Like anybody else, including all my colleagues, I share the anger over why we are in these difficulties. Much pain is being felt by many householders all over the country as a result of a reckless regulatory financial regime, internationally and nationally.