12 April 2001 Edition
Banks are ``arrogant and exploitative'' - O Caolain
The decision of the Bank of Ireland to refuse to cash pay cheques unless the customer has an account in the branch has been described in the Dail as ``arrogant and exploitative'' by Sinn Fein's Caoimhghín O Caolain.
The Cavan/Monaghan TD was speaking in the D‡il last week when he urged the government to act to protect people who could not now cash their cheques without being forced to open an account. He called for legislation to address this ``disgraceful action'' by the Bank of Ireland.
O Caolain said that in light of the statement from Minister for Public Enterprise Mary O'Rourke urging the banks to contribute to the local post office network, this also should be provided for in legislation.
Attempts were made to shout down O Caolain as he put these questions to Education Minister Michael Woods, who was standing in for the Taoiseach at the Order of Business in the D‡il on 6 April. Responding to taunts from the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael benches, O Caolain retorted:
``There is a tremendous outbreak of ``electionitis'' all over the country... There is great concern too in evidence here in this House. Deputies should not worry, we will fill these benches in our own time.''
When Labour members joined in he said: ``I am glad the circle has been completed and you are all in the one barrow, because I have no doubt that is where you all belong.''
The Cavan/Monaghan TD was speaking in the D‡il last week when he urged the government to act to protect people who could not now cash their cheques without being forced to open an account. He called for legislation to address this ``disgraceful action'' by the Bank of Ireland.
O Caolain said that in light of the statement from Minister for Public Enterprise Mary O'Rourke urging the banks to contribute to the local post office network, this also should be provided for in legislation.
Attempts were made to shout down O Caolain as he put these questions to Education Minister Michael Woods, who was standing in for the Taoiseach at the Order of Business in the D‡il on 6 April. Responding to taunts from the Fianna Fail and Fine Gael benches, O Caolain retorted:
``There is a tremendous outbreak of ``electionitis'' all over the country... There is great concern too in evidence here in this House. Deputies should not worry, we will fill these benches in our own time.''
When Labour members joined in he said: ``I am glad the circle has been completed and you are all in the one barrow, because I have no doubt that is where you all belong.''