Patrick D. Harte
Question:29 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Finance when the third bank is to be set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
Vol. 441 No. 7
29 Mr. Harte asked the Minister for Finance when the third bank is to be set up; and if he will make a statement on the matter.
I would refer the Deputy to my reply to a similar question on 1 February 1994. As I made clear in that answer the objective of Government policy in relation to a third force in banking is to increase competition in the banking sector while protecting — and enhancing to the extent possible — the development role which the State banks can play in fostering industry, especially small and medium sized industry. Proposals to give effect to this policy have not yet come before Government. The Government will consider the matter when I am in a position to present firm proposals.