David Norris (Independent)

I support this important recommendation, one that has been well worked out in terms of openness, accountability, transparency and all the other buzz words used. People are entitled to know the amount of bonuses paid. It is desirable and in the public interest to have this information. I would have had a greater difficulty if there had been a broad brush attempt to restrict completely the type of bonus paid. While that is, clearly, applicable in the Irish situation, particularly in those institutions which have let the country down so badly, it is nuanced. With regard to the operations of certain international companies in the International Financial Services Centre and so forth, we do not wish to drive capital out of the country. It is not an insult and does not make a great difference to the people if international companies wish to pay the global rate to their employees. We must maintain employment in the International Financial Services Centre in so far as possible. I, therefore, strongly support the recommendation.