Lorraine Higgins (Labour) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday, I called for all tapes from all the bailed-out banks to be made available to the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform, in the public interest. I reiterate that call today.

I want to raise an issue related to the Anglo Irish Bank debacle and the individuals recorded on the tapes. Were their terms and conditions of employment contracts changed in their favour after the bailout? Did they accept bonuses after the bailout? If so, then this is a most serious issue that needs to be investigated. I strongly feel that these people should not hold any position of responsibility following the revelations in recent days. We must never lose sight of the fact that they played Monopoly with the Exchequer and the Irish taxpayer while people lost their jobs and houses.

For the record, I oppose an Oireachtas inquiry into banking. It is a matter for the authorities and there is no need for the Oireachtas to conduct a long drawn out investigative inquiry. Some politicians might grandstand on the issue while others might challenge the remit of an inquiry thus delaying any findings. The situation is far too serious. The tapes are proof enough that the individuals were involved in wrongdoing. It is important that we take a course of action without delay.