Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

That is why the Government is bringing the banks in next week and it is the reason the Taoiseach made his very forceful comments. I understand that the Central Bank is independent, but if it needs more power, let us provide it. I am happy to support any action on behalf of citizens who have been treated appallingly by the banks. As a country, we bailed them out and they have an obligation and a duty to work with people, whether businesspeople or farmers who are going about their daily work, to maintain businesses and create jobs, or the private householder who has been absolutely decimated by the banks in some cases. I would be very happy to have a debate on that in the House and to support any measure to address the issue.

I am disappointed that Senator Davitt considered the Taoiseach going out to thank ESB and local authority workers a PR stunt when it was in fact a fine gesture by him to express appreciation and gratitude to the men and women who have been out since last Monday to clear up our streets and communities. It was a very good gesture for the Head of Government to go out and thank them in person. I am sure the Senator agrees.