Eugene Regan (Fine Gael)

I refer to the Bank of Scotland (Ireland) redundancies and the decision of Lloyds Bank to close the retail network in Ireland. Lehman Brothers collapsed in 2008 and the bank guarantee scheme was introduced in October 2008. Legislation was introduced which gives the Minster for Finance extraordinary powers to restructure Irish banks. No decision has been taken under the legislation and no indication from the Minister or the Government has been forthcoming in regard to the consolidation or restructuring of the banking sector. Yesterday's announcement highlights the vacuum in this area because quite some time has elapsed. During the debate in 2008 the Minister talked about a third banking force in which Bank of Scotland (Ireland) was to play a part. There is a gap in policy formulation and initiative on the part of the Government in this area. What are the Government's plans regarding the banking sector?