Fidelma Healy Eames (Fine Gael)

-----and compliment her husband, Senator Martin McAleese, for journeying with her for our country for the past 14 years. I compliment her for opening the new wing of the Back Lane Hostel on her final day in office. It is a mark of her presidency that she has been there for communities and she continues in that vein today.

I wish to express my anger at the arrogance of our banks as they continue to refuse to pass on the interest rate cut. I have stood in this House and have voted to capitalise these banks; why are they not showing us the same honesty and decency by passing on the rate to us? Eight weeks ago I received a letter from Ulster Bank - I appreciate it is not within the guarantee - stating that my interest rate was increasing by 0.25%. I paid it. When the interest rate is coming down I expect they will do the same for me. I wish to ask the Leader three questions.