Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

On a previous occasion, I raised the issue of the special savings investment scheme. In accepting it is a highly successful initiative, I noted that many people found it difficult to meet their financial commitment to it. As a savings scheme the SSIA has inevitably removed a significant amount of money from circulation. However, savers' working circumstances often change. Many people who received overtime payments in the past now receive time in lieu and some are finding it difficult to maintain the commitment they made. The penalty clause for withdrawing from the scheme should be analysed and savers, depending on their circumstances, should not be penalised for withdrawing their savings or have to wait for the full five year period to elapse to do so. I ask the Leader to raise the matter with the Minister for Finance.

Senator Henry touched on the issue of nursing. If the House returns in early September we should have a full debate on this issue. Filipino nurses have bailed out the health service, providing the valuable nucleus of nurses it requires. As such, they should be treated with great respect. We need them and were they to decide to go to other countries, the problems in our hospitals, particularly in the Dublin area, would be exacerbated. This matter should be addressed and we should show respect for this group of nurses.