Expert views sought on banking system

The country has not been short of experts in what should be done with the banking system in recent times.

And now is their time to shine.

This follows the Houses of the Oireachtas seeking tenders from experts to author a research paper on the positives and negatives from a range of perspectives of having State-owned banks in the Irish context.

During the years of the banking crisis, we have heard strongly-held views from disciples of various economic schools of thought on what direction the banking system should take.

However, the House has warned “the research paper must be objective, balanced, and non-partisan”.

According to the Houses of the Oireachtas, the research paper will be disseminated to “members of the Oireachtas to enhance their understanding of the Irish banking system, the role of State-owned banks within the system, and the potential impact of selling the State’s stakes in the banks it owns”.

The Houses of the Oireachtas state that the paper should include an overview of the State’s stakes in Irish banks (2009-present) incorporating a chronological table detailing initial investment, subsequent disposals, dividends received and current situation.

The paper should also deal with the positives and negatives of having the Irish State own a number of banks in a market economy.

Closing date for tenders is May 20 and the 3,000-4,500 word research paper is to delivered by noon on June 27.