David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is time we took a radical approach to the banks, in which we already have public interest directors, but where in the name of God are they? They were in place at the time of the financial crash and did nothing. They seem to be there still, sitting on their hands and collecting €100,000 every time they pass "Go". They are absolutely useless and doing virtually nothing. I also heard somebody calling for the introduction of the European Central Bank, ECB. Are they mad? It would be like putting Jack the Ripper in the Supreme Court. The people in the ECB are the ones who bankrupted Ireland by forcing us to discharge the gambling debts of the French and German banks to the tune of €60 billion.

Some time ago there were very good Irish language lessons for Members of the Oireachtas. I attended one or two and they were good. I understand one Member of the Dáil, Deputy Mattie McGrath, comes from the Tipperary Gaeltacht and has little familiarity with the English language. It seems he was shocked to be described as "mesmerising" which just means fascinating. He should not have taken umbrage; rather, he should have been thrilled to bits.