Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

I join other Members in requesting a debate on banking. The people are weary of those within the banking fraternity, particularly those at the highest levels who make the decisions. What the people want is accountability. They want the banks to pay the cost relating to what has happened and to assist ordinary citizens and business interests to get their affairs back in order. We have to stop bailing out the banks. As Senator O'Toole stated, last year the cost to the taxpayer in respect of regulation was €39 billion. This year the cost will be €50 million. Where will it end? Ordinary people have paid enough.

Will the Leader facilitate a debate on the State Examinations Commission? Yesterday we witnessed the embarrassing debacle of an examination paper being incomplete. Who was responsible for this error? It is unacceptable that the State examination paper for leaving certificate accounting, or any other subject for that matter, should contain a blemish.