Enda Kenny (Mayo, Fine Gael)

The Ceann Comhairle has his own way of doing things. I ask the Taoiseach if it is his intention to introduce legislation to give a statutory basis to the voluntary code announced by banks regarding the repossession of houses. When the Minister for Finance introduced the guarantee, he noted that we are deeply embedded in banks and he has since made reference in the National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009 to having authority over the banks. As a large number of Deputies have noted, this is a matter of concern to thousands of people. Being unable to repay one's mortgage can cause an unbelievable level of shock and distress. I accept the banks are saying that repossessing houses is the last thing they want to do but it may be necessary to give legal standing to the voluntary code.

Is it the intention to introduce legislation to give effect to reform of the HSE? Deputy Reilly has on several occasions spoken about the ten houses built at St. Ita's in Portrane for intellectually challenged patients which cannot be opened because 42 nurses are required to make this possible. I have with me evidence from County Galway that 100 nurses have had to leave for England and other places. Their relocation allowances are being paid by hospitals there, including the Royal Berkshire, Whipps Cross and Bristol hospitals. We are in a serious situation with jobs no longer available for front line staff, some of whom will march in Dublin today, in particular, nurses, physiotherapists, speech and language therapists and occupational therapists. We train these professionals at great expense and to a very high standard. Perhaps the Taoiseach will advise if he will give legal effect to the changes that have been talked about so often.

The Ceann Comhairle was kind enough to write to the leaders of the parties informing us that we have been speaking for too long. In that respect, I will finish up very soon. Last week, he also hauled up Deputy Gilmore when he said the Deputy's time was up.

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