Michael McCarthy (Labour)

I concur with Senator Finucane on the issue of mortgage interest. If mortgage companies were to forego the charge to mortgage holders of interest for 29 February, it would cost them some €400,000, not a lot when one considers the profits they make.

On electronic voting, the report of the commission is due to be published on 1 May, which is very late. Will the Leader assure the House that if the commission recommends electronic voting should be abandoned, the Minister will act upon that recommendation?

The House should debate the issue of sentencing. Many people are serving only part of their sentences. While I will not mention any particular case, it is appalling that a person sentenced to a prison term of 208 years walks free after nine. This is a shocking indictment of the State. I call for a debate as soon as possible.