James Bannon (Fine Gael)

I support Senator Brian Hayes's proposal to amend the Order of Business regarding a debate on the deteriorating health services not only in Dublin, but throughout the country. As a serving member of a health board, I see the impact major shortfalls in funding are having on the health service, particularly in the hospitals in my region.

We need to debate the important issue of security in our banking system. Bank fraud takes place at automatic teller machines. A radio programme this morning heard from several people who had encountered it on their bank cards. As a result of the Minister for Finance's budget last year, the public is paying significant charges for banking services. He should come to the House and account for security in the banking system.

The Comptroller and Auditor General made critical remarks regarding the procedures for the drawing down of up to €15 million for the events centre in Punchestown. Community development associations and sports clubs throughout the country are up in arms at the fast tracking of this proposal when they are obliged to complete sheaves of forms to draw down departmental funding. It is a shame and a disgrace. Allowing this to happen is a blight on the system. The Minister must come clean and make a statement on this issue.