Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Gilroy makes my point. The Central Bank has a certain independence. I agree there is a need for balance. We cannot have the banks being allowed to ride roughshod over so many in society given their recent history, particularly regarding harassment. On that I agree strongly with Senator Darragh O'Brien. The Leader is on our side on this. There must be arbitration and we must involve some independent office, but I urge a debate on this before the recess. The Leader has tried his best to ensure we have it and I agree with him on it. It is an absolute need.

I agree very much with the remarks and I compliment the Inspector of Prisons, Judge Michael Reilly, on what he has done, closed St. Patrick's Institution, which, as has been said, should have been closed long ago. I congratulate our new European Ombudsman, Ms Emily O'Reilly, on her success. Hopefully later today we might be able to share with our American cousins some Independence Day celebration.