Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I strongly agree with the sentiments and remarks of Senator McFadden in regard to what happened recently in the reception centres to which she referred. It is disgraceful that these good people are corralled, shepherded or herded and are not allowed to be visited or canvassed except by the chosen few. That is disgraceful in our democracy and should not be tolerated. It happened in many places that some of us are aware of and we could not gain entry. Are some of us dangerous? The Leader should take this up urgently in connection with what we spoke of yesterday regarding the electoral register.

I agree with the comments of Senator Ross in that wonderful public interest appointments have been made to banks. I agree with the man named by the Senator and others. In the case of one very important institution, as the Senator has noted, an insider chief executive has been appointed and a lifer will be appointed as chairman. I strongly support the Senator's request that we have the Minister for Finance before the House soon for a debate on this. The last thing we need is any continuation of the bad banking practices of the past. As the Senator indicated, we need a total break from that and a new culture. We thought we were going in that direction but now one must ask if there is slippage. I look forward to hearing the Leader's remarks on that matter.