Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, asked about AIB and the interest rate increases. I agree that they are regrettable. AIB maintains that the rate of 4% is the lowest in the market, but this is of little consolation to those who will pay at the increased rate. On 3 July the House had a comprehensive debate on the issues of mortgage arrears, banking and the economy in the presence of the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan. On that occasion Senator Thomas Byrne described the Minister's presence in the House as unfortunate and said he would be employed better in dealing with the Insolvency Bill and other legislation-----