We use Google Analytics to see which pages are read and how the site is used, so we know what to improve. This only runs if you accept. See our privacy notice for details.

Seanad
‹ Order of Business

ECB accountability to Ireland

Summary

Senator Keane criticises Draghi’s refusal to attend the banking inquiry and suggests the inquiry submit its questions through the European Parliament.

I add my voice to those who have already spoken about the decision by the President of the ECB, Mario Draghi, and the ECB not to partake in the banking inquiry. Mr. Draghi said the ECB is primarily held accountable by the European Parliament. The word "primarily" should be taken up there because Ireland is not secondary. There is more than one way to skin a cat and if Mr. Draghi refuses to come to the inquiry, the inquiry should go to him. If the ECB is primarily responsible to the European Parliament, the inquiry members here can write out the questions they want asked and give them to our MEPs to submit for direct and written answer within the European Parliament. There is more than one way to be held accountable and we have MEPs representing us at the European Parliament. The questions can be put there and the members of the inquiry can go there, give the written questions to their MEPs and observe the answers.

As regards rushing any water Bill through, there is no intention to do so. We have seen debates in the Houses. Could we have a monitor on the Oireachtas system to monitor repetition when the same thing is said three, four and five times? I was listening to the debate in the Dáil and it was like a hamster going around in a wheel. It is an insult to debate.

I support Senator Michael Mullins in calling for the release of Meriam Ibrahim. Today I am calling for a debate on sexual violence against women because we cannot let that issue die. I am calling particularly on Sinéad O'Connor to go to the Garda. She has said-----

Comment on this