Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the 18 Senators who contributed. I join Senators who paid tribute to the late Eamonn Campbell on his sad passing. We will all remember him for his part in The Dubliners. Senators Nash and Black paid eloquent tribute to him; he was a very fine human being. On behalf of all Senators and of the Fine Gael group, I extend our deepest sympathies to his family.

I agree with Senators Davitt, Craughwell, Murnane O'Connor, Gallagher and Reilly on tracker mortgages. The behaviour of the banks is nothing short of scandalous. The banks have a responsibility treat their customers in a due and proper manner by refunding them and giving them recompense. We all have friends, family members or people in our own communities who have lost everything in terms of physical health and well-being and financial loss. What the banks did to our country is absolutely appalling. As I said yesterday, the Government has lost patience with the banks. I would say to Senator Davitt that the Taoiseach has made matters very clear. I am not sure whether the Senator read the Taoiseach's remarks.