Banking and Limerick hospital
The Leader agreed that banks need greater accountability and said he would arrange a ministerial discussion, then returned to Senator O'Donnell’s University Hospital Limerick point. Senator Gavan noted he would write to the Leader, and the exchange remained focused on banking reform and the hospital bed unit.
I fully agree with Senator Daly on the banking system in our country. There is an absolute need for the banks to recognise they must work with people, whether those in business or agriculture or homeowners. Senator Daly welcomed the fund for agriculture and business in the budget, but the point is-----
Comment on this
He is absolutely correct that the banks must work with people and there needs to be accountability. What is happening with our banks now is they are creating faceless and peopleless banks. When we walk into banks now in parts of Cork city, there is no one in them. There are only machines, and this is not good enough or acceptable. Senator Daly is absolutely correct with regard to the bigger picture he raised, and I will be happy to have the Minister come to the House to have a discussion on this.
Senator Kieran O'Donnell raised the issue of University Hospital Limerick and the capital development plan. He is correct there needs to be investment. Others will talk but he will deliver for Limerick, and that is the importance of being in government. He is also right about the housing supply. The measures in the budget will lead to additional housing. We had a debate on the budget yesterday. The Government is committed to investing in and building social houses. We have a building plan, Rebuilding Ireland, which will deliver.
I am not familiar with the case raised by Senator Gavan this morning on the Order of Business. It is unacceptable no matter who or what our ideology is for any person to be treated in the manner he described. I am not familiar with the case, but if he wants to give me the details I will be happy to take it up with the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection and for the Minister to come to the House.
Comment on this
I will write to the Leader and I thank him.