Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

All Members agree to extending our sympathies to everybody involved.

Senators Noone and Bradford referred to the need for people to know where their taxes are spent. We have an ideal opportunity to do so this afternoon and tomorrow. The Finance Bill deals with tax and expenditure. I agree that if the Revenue Commissioners can outline where moneys are spent in various categories when giving tax returns at the end of the year, it should be done. Senators Byrne and Paul Coghlan referred to pending tribunal reports and I am sure we will deal with those matters when the reports are published.

Senator Kelly referred to the future of wind energy. We had a debate on Senator Kelly's Bill with the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte. We will try to persuade the Minister to discuss the same subject again. Senator Ó Clochartaigh and several other Senators called for a debate on education. A number of weeks ago, I indicated that the Minister will come into the House for a wide-ranging debate on education. I believe the date is 19 April but I will confirm it tomorrow.

Senator Whelan and others addressed Bank of Ireland bonuses. I do not think it is acceptable and the public does not think these bonuses should be paid to banks bailed out by the country. It is inexcusable that people in these positions are paid bonuses over four times what the Taoiseach receives as a salary. Perhaps it can be raised when the Minister of Finance speaks on the Finance Bill this afternoon.

I commend Senator O'Sullivan on his responsible position on the household charge.