Catherine Noone (Fine Gael)

I join Senator Mullins in respect of his comments on the banks. Freeing up credit is a huge issue and, regardless of the hassle banks have with people in difficulties with overdrafts, customers should be treated with the utmost respect by banks, regardless of how much credit or debt they have. The ambiguity with respect to charges and treatment of customers generally by leading banks is reprehensible. People are beside themselves with worry at this time of year because of the way they are being treated. It is not unusual for people to have difficulties with finances and they need to be treated with the utmost respect. Automated systems and irregular charges are a matter of concern and I welcome Senator Mullins's suggestion that the Minister for Finance comes to the House. We do not need to be involved in the day-to-day running of the banks but if we are large shareholders we need to know that they are doing their business properly and treating people with the respect they deserve.