Kieran O'Donnell (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Yes. I support Senator Mark Daly's suggestion for the Bank of Ireland to attend before the Oireachtas committee.

I do not know a huge amount about this matter. I have carried out some research and discovered that a bank account has existed since 2001. Any person who has a bank account for 16 years would find it extraordinary to have it closed without notice or an explanation. The Bank of Ireland needs to give an explanation. I agree with the sentiments expressed by Senator Daly calling on the Bank of Ireland to attend before the Oireachtas committee of which I am a member. AIB has opened a bank account in the organisation's name. It seems unusual that one institution has closed an account while a similar institution has opened one.

Senator Norris holds this matter dear to his heart. My party agrees with the sentiments expressed in his motion. We would like to hear Bank of Ireland give a valid explanation even though the matter may be inexplicable. Nevertheless, I take the point made about taxpayers. I do not like to call them taxpayers and prefer another term of Irish residents. They have supported Bank of Ireland through very difficult times and continue to do so. We need clarity about the matter. We want Bank of Ireland to meet the Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign group. A natural extension of that is an appearance before the Oireachtas committee with a view to rectifying the situation, as a matter of urgency. We second the Fianna Fáil amendment.