asked the Minister for Finance whether he will set up a commission of inquiry to investigate and make recommendations in regard to the serious national problems arising from the fact that a number of our banks have their head offices in and are governed and controlled from Britain.
Ceisteanna—Questions. Oral Answers. - Control of Banks.
It is not proposed to take action on the lines suggested in the question.
The Minister is aware, of course, that, in regard to trade unions and other matters, there has been considerable difficulty in regard to the principle involved in this question. Does he not consider that it would be desirable to set up a commission of inquiry which would make facts available for the people in regard to this very serious national matter?
This matter with regard to the banks has been under consideration by at least two commissions, already established, which have made reports. I do not entirely accept the full content of these commissions' reports in regard to every matter. I am not convinced at all that the implications that are in the Deputy's question are real, that is to say that there are serious national problems arising out of this fact. The matter can be reviewed from time to time, but I see no reason to review it at the moment.
Does the Minister not appreciate that, in regard to some of the concerns mentioned, the appointment even of a porter is subject to confirmation and approval in London, and does he not agree that that is not satisfactory from the national point of view?
That is a matter of minor detail which, I think, might be arranged otherwise than by the cumbersome machinery of a commission of inquiry.