Denis O'Donovan (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I wish to clarify in case there is any misunderstanding of what I said. This has been the case for decades if not hundreds of years. The problem is probably far more acute now because of the crash, but in reality we are dealing with a David and Goliath situation with the banks in the role of Goliath. They have a powerful legal system of barristers and lawyers behind them and a wonderful background team. I regard the Government through the Minister for Finance or the Minister for Justice and Equality as the middleman or referee to ensure fair play. Historically, whereas I would agree, I do not think there is any collusion between the current Government or a previous government with banks - that is a load of rubbish. The problem is that the Goliath has the power and strength. There is a duty on the Government and the regulator to ensure that the David gets some fair play, regardless of whether it is a rental situation or an unfortunate householder. The ongoing David and Goliath battle is probably now more acute because of the recession. That battle was ever there - the banks were always too powerful.