Michael Mullins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I strongly support the motion and recommend that all Members do likewise. It is good to hear somebody of Senator Barrett's impartiality supporting it. I was a member of the CPP and I join with colleagues in thanking members of the Seanad staff and legal advisers who assisted us in the process. A very considerable amount of time was spent evaluating the proposal and while I can see why Senator Darragh O’Brien has misgivings, we all agree it will be a very extensive inquiry and the members of the team have drawn up a very comprehensive set of proposals. The general public wants to find answers as to how this massive banking crisis occurred and what lessons can be learned for the future. It is in everybody's interest that work commences as soon as possible. It is a major job of work, and many of us on the CPP had reservations as to whether the timescale would be too tight. It is vital that the work commence without further delays. I wish the committee and those charged with conducting this very significant piece of work well. I hope it will be the last time we will have to engage in such an exercise, that we never again have a situation where hardship is caused for so many people as a result of the collapse of our banking institutions.