Brian Ó Domhnaill (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I support Senator MacSharry's amendment to the Order of Business to have the Minister for Finance come to the House to discuss the mortgage issue and the new code of conduct published by the Central Bank. While many people are struggling with mortgage repayments, banks are putting serious pressure on individuals. This week we have heard the Anglo Irish Bank taped telephone conversations and the disgraceful nature in which bankers, particularly those in Anglo Irish Bank, have treated the people. It is disgraceful and disgusting. We need to hear from the Minister as to what the Government will do about it. There has been lip service. It has reacted to those tapes. There have been other tapes - the Lowry tapes - and there has been complete silence from the Government. What will it do? We need to bring the Minister for Finance before the House. I appeal to the Leader to accept Senator MacSharry's amendment in the interests of national importance so that we can hear what will be done with these rogue bankers who destroyed the country and brought about economic collapse. It is absolutely disgusting and disgraceful. We could do the Seanad and the people some service by having a comprehensive debate on the matter today.