I would welcome a response but it would be unusual to get it from that side of the House when the Leader is not here. Yesterday the Governor of the Central Bank was before a finance committee and admitted that he had to cave in to the wishes of banks.

It was sad to hear that. I was also sad to hear that he would not investigate any further the tapes that comprised live evidence of what was occurring in Anglo Irish Bank at a time when the country was in crisis. Did he make that decision himself or was he persuaded to do so by the Government? Those concerned do not have a great history of investigating tapes that are released in the national interest.

This House has taken a lead in regard to banking. My colleague, Senator MacSharry, has published two Bills in this respect. On the Order Paper there are three Bills initiated by our colleague Senator Barrett: Fiscal Responsibility (Statement) Bill 2011 – Second Stage (resumed); Mortgage Credit (Loans and Bonds) Bill 2012 – Second Stage (resumed); and Financial Stability and Reform Bill 2013 – Second Stage. Could the Deputy Leader insist that the Minister for Finance come to this House to discuss banking in order that we can ascertain the up-to-date position from him and his plans to sort out the banks? This seems to be the only arm of the Oireachtas that can realistically debate anything of importance to thie country.