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THE FORMER HEAD of the European Central Bank, Jean Claude Trichet, has said he will not be appearing before the Oireachtas banking inquiry.
Trichet said his decision not to speak before the inquiry was based on rules in the ECB’s constitution.
“If the rule was changed, I would apply the new rule,” he told Newstalk’s Shona Murray. “All decisions are taken collectively by all members and the responsibility of explaining decisions are in the hands of the national governors.”
The former ECB president, who opposed the idea of burning Anglo bondholders, also said the decision on the bank guarantee was taken “by the Irish government alone without any consideration” either with the European Central Bank or other countries.
Also speaking to Newstalk this morning, Minister for Social Protection Joan Burton said that while the ECB is independent, “it’s not unaccountable and that’s very important”.
Trichet said that any letters sent by the ECB to Ireland around the time of the banking collapse are the property of the Irish government and it is up to them to release them. Several requests have been made for a 2010 letter sent to then Finance Minister Brian Lenihan about the bailout to be published but the ECB has always refused.
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Should be a requirement that one parent is working
Talk about throwing equality out the window. Like all things that’s for the betterment of womankind, it’s too slow, it’s too few and it comes with too many restrictions. Time for the women of Ireland to speak up on this matter. God forbid a woman can build a career first then only have 1 shot at IVF. FFG making more hurdles for the next government.
@Peter: women are having a families far too late in life. Thats a biological fact. There needs to be a societal shift into having families earlier in life. This is a step in the right direction and should help a lot of people who are struggling and should be commended. More to do yes
@Peter: so why don’t you run for election and change the system?
Why don’t you start a lobby group and advocate for change?
It’s a lot easier to just moan about “FFG” and do nothing, ain’t that right Pete?!?!
The scheme is a joke for sound bites only and when you look at the conditions it restricts too many women to make any benifit. Families having less kids and at an older age is a direct result of policies promoting such.
Security of a home, well we will punish and reduce your lending amount. Maturnity leave over, Time to return to work, well your baby is too young for creche and when of age we will charge a fortune. Shortage of schools in your area amongst new housing, well that land was given away free. Your child is on Austism spectrum. Well wait 2 years to be accessed and receive no help.
@Barney: kind of makes you wonder why people have children at all!
Definitely should be free. But I feel the age cut off should be 35.
The scheme is a joke! Basing it on having a BMI is ridiculous! If the government want to help people doing IVF they should regulate the IVF clinics so they stop falsifying their “success rates” to make more money from vulnerable people trying to realise their dreams!!
Perhaps we also need to change the societal narrative that there is something wrong with being childless? (Or even single, for that matter.) Everybody’s contribution to society is important, and life can be just as fulfilling for those who don’t follow the well-trodden path.
If you want children, pay for them yourself, or even do a good thing and adopt?
Don’t expect others to finance your choices!
@Alison Hughes: Assume you are against child support?
have your say