Seán Ó Fearghaíl (Kildare South, Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Yesterday the House passed Second Stage of the Protection of Residential Mortgage Account Holders Bill 2014, tabled by Deputy Michael McGrath. We are very grateful for the Government's support. I notice, however, that No. 93 on the C list of the Government's legislative programme is the Sale of Loan Books to Unregulated Third Parties Bill.

Government spokespersons yesterday accepted the need to offer protection to mortgage holders against the risk of what vulture capitalists might do if they got hold of these mortgages. Will the Government be bringing forward from 2015 its proposed legislation or will it act immediately on the legislation introduced by Deputy Michael McGrath?

The Joint Committee on Education and Social Protection has been working diligently on the issue of admissions to schools. An admission to schools Bill to provide for openness, equity and consistency in school enrolments has been promised. In my experience, many schools try to be open, consistent and honourable in their approach, but perhaps the Tánaiste can clarify the matter further.

International Women's Day is 8 March. A report was recently published which discussed ways of making Irish politics and the Parliament more family friendly. One of the initiatives advocated in the report was the introduction of maternity and paternity leave for Members. When I introduced a Bill to this effect, it did not exactly receive enthusiastic support from the Government. I ask the Tánaiste whether the matter can be revisited and if he wishes to comment further.

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