David Norris (Independent)

He has signalled that he will accept that offer. My colleagues join me in supporting this motion. It is an important issue and I congratulate Deputy Brian Hayes on taking this initiative. I do not believe there is any party division on this issue. This is a moment when the Seanad can respond directly and immediately. For the Fine Gael Party to cancel its long-standing commitment to this procedure and its existing motion and substitute it with a motion that will have more relevance to people in Ireland is something Members on all sides of the House can commend.

It is right to draw the attention of the House and that of members of the public, if they become aware of this, to the fact that Seanad Éireann has pursued this matter consistently for a matter of four or five years but not much has been done. I understand complaints have been made by concerned relatives over a number of years but nothing has happened. At least eight complaints were made by relatives. Therefore, it is appropriate to deal with this matter and I second the motion.

We should have a discussion on charities in light of the very sad emergence of fraud within the Christina Noble trust. Like many other Members of the House I heard her on radio today and she was absolutely heartbroken. She is a very remarkable woman who has given her life to looking after the interests of abandoned children and people in great difficulties, particularly young people in Asia. She has been betrayed by people within her organisation. She has also been let down by us because charities are not properly regulated. This entire area needs to be examined. People can set themselves up as charities quite easily. There is very little regulation. There is also the practice where nice, decent young people are hired to go out and harass people for money. Sometimes I meet eight different collections on my way between O'Connell Street and here. There should be some degree of regulation.

I wish to inform the House that following my attempt to raise a matter on the Order of Business some weeks ago, I wrote to Senator O'Toole, who is our representative on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, asking that we invite the McCartney sisters and Robert McCartney's fiancée to give evidence to us.