Banks need to pull their weight - Cowen
Thursday, 19 November 2009 10:28The Taoiseach has said that banks need to recognise that taxpayers have provided the necessary funds to ensure that Ireland has a functioning financial system.
In a webcast on the Fianna Fáil website, Mr Cowen says the recent row with AIB over salaries reminds us that it is very important banks recognise the country is very much in a new situation.
'We want to maintain the interest of the taxpayer in that respect,' he stated.
Mr Cowen said that banks need to understand that it is very important that their wider societal obligations are met.
'The banks have to make sure they pull their weight to effect economic recovery as well,' he said.
Mr Cowen said that recent events confirm that there is a need to recognise we are in a new situation where many families are hurting and have to be helped.
'I am sure they will now recognise this new situation and play their full part in the country's economic recovery,' he added.
He described the recent events at AIB as 'very unfortunate' but he said the important point now is we have a decision which complies with Government guidelines.
He said the Government's main concern was to have an effective management team in the bank and that has now happened. He said that AIB will also make some external appointments to the bank.
'We need to see the bank can get on with the job,' he said.
