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Seanad
‹ Order of Business

Banking regulation and accountability

Summary

Senators discuss the banking conference, mortgage arrears and the need for stronger regulation, including possible appearances by banking officials and public-interest directors. Procedural interjections and a brief exchange about a previous Bill are absorbed into the discussion.

Senator Darragh O'Brien has made most of the points I wished to make on the banking conference held in Dublin yesterday.

One of the bankers said in his opening address that the banks have been humbled. I compliment Fiona Muldoon, the new director of banking supervision, for saying that she has not found humility in her dealings with banks. I wish her the best of luck in her new job.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator should not mention individuals by name.

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I am about to ask the Leader to do something.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

We do not mention individuals in this House.

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I apologise. Senator Darragh O'Brien asked for a debate on mortgage arrears. I would not tie the Leader to a timeframe of two weeks because he will arrange the debate for a time when the appropriate Ministers are available. I ask the Leader to consider inviting Ms Muldoon to address the Seanad. She has radical new ideas on the regulation of banks in this country and I hope we will no longer have light regulation.

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Let us get real and relevant regulation.

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Paddy Burke An Cathaoirleach Fine Gael

The Senator should raise the issue with his representatives on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges.

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

We should also hear from the public interest directors of the bank.

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I remind Senator Norris that I introduced a Bill in the previous Seanad.

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David P.B. Norris Senator David Norris Independent

I recall that it dealt with wills and testaments.

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