Diarmuid Wilson (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

This relates not only to the way in which they deal with customers and the serious position in which they landed the State but even their policies beforehand. They have not been people-friendly for many years in their customer service and it is only a matter of time before the other main banks make the same announcement.

I welcome that Senator Feargal Quinn has put together a Bill that would see this country introducing an honours system, meaning we would have the capacity as a State to recognise people who make a major contribution to their communities and other areas of society or life. This is long overdue but the issue raises its head from time to time. We have the opportunity - I hope Senator Quinn does not mind me mentioning it - to pass this legislation and send it to the Lower House. It would be appropriate that in time for the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Rising, we would, as a State, recognise our own citizens who have made a contribution to communities and society.

I also take this opportunity to welcome to the Gallery Dr. Keith Swanick, our candidate in the forthcoming by-election.