Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the sentiments of those on the other side of the House with regard to the Personal Insolvency Bill when it comes to the banks. However, it is difficult to listen to members of Fianna Fáil talking about openness and transparency when it comes to the banking sector. The point that many of the leaders in the banks are missing is that they were saved in order that we could have a functioning banking system. I reject the idea that they would tell us, now that we own them, how the Personal Insolvency Bill should operate. That may be putting it too strongly but the idea that they have the clout that they seem to have is a matter of concern. I urge those in charge in the Government to let the banks know that we run them now and that 97% is not a small shareholding by any stretch of the imagination.

The economy cannot function unless the banks come to the realisation that they must work in the times that we are in and they must help those in distressed situations, and although they are in being to make profit, they need to realise that the clout they once had has diminished significantly.

I also support other colleagues who spoke about sexual violence against women. I do not wish to speak on any particular case that is being covered in the media, but at the same time the idea that money can buy a person freedom from punishment is serious. We need to have a debate on the matter in this House and I would welcome other Senators' calls for the Minister, Deputy Shatter, to come in for a meaningful debate on the issue.