A Tipperary Independent TD’s request for a debate on the decision of the government to sell-off parts of the states AIB shareholding has been blocked.
Mattie McGrath was not happy that the matter was sent for consideration to the Oireachtas Finance Committee rather than being debated on the Dáil floor.
Deputy McGrath believes “Many aspects of this sell-off require scrutiny, not least, whether the best interests of taxpayers are being served.
He says “The failure of the government to protect the public interest means that AIB was allowed to close 75 branches across the State.
The Newcastle based TD also referenced staff cuts of 1183 while the wage bill increased by 30 million euros in the same period between 2016 and 2020.
Deputy McGrath stated that a frank and open Dáil debate was necessary before the Finance Minister approved the sale of any further shareholding in AIB.
“The public deserve transparency and input; their banking concerns must be heard and debated on the floor of Dail Éireann, rather than being side-lined into a committee controlled by the government.” concluded Deputy Mc Grath.
