Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I am somewhat puzzled and disappointed, to say the least, as are most citizens, at the attitude of AIB in its offer to Germans - or, as the website puts it, those resident in Germany - of a savings interest rate that is three times the rate available to its Irish customers. I would like to hear its rationale for the decision. A spokesperson said it was about diversifying its funding base and reducing dependency on other funding. A funding base is put to the same use regardless of the source. Why is AIB discriminating so much against the Irish citizens who, it could be said, saved it? As we know, it is 99% owned by the State. This sends out the wrong message. We are trying to restore the bank's fortunes. It has made progress and it is to be hoped it will make more. However, to class the home base as second-class citizens is absolutely ridiculous. Perhaps we could have a debate on banking before the end of the session.