John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes about the level of indebtedness in this country and the fact that many financial institutions, such as the commercial banks, are forcing money on people. I raised the issue a couple of months ago and would like any such debate to encompass personal loans. I received several letters, as I am sure have other Senators, from my bank telling me that a personal loan of a certain amount was available if I wanted one. If I want a loan, I will go into the bank and ask my bank manager for it. That is not a proper manner for a financial institution to operate, particularly when difficulties exist regarding people's level of indebtedness. I also echo the sentiments expressed about credit card debt.

Senator Coghlan made a good point. I am sure other Senators have been lobbied in the past week or two by the credit union movement, which is a hugely important element of our financial services industry. The credit unions have a legitimate problem with section 35 of the Credit Union Act 1997. The Minister should review the position as a matter of urgency to try to level the playing field between the credit unions and the commercial banks. The credit union movement provides an alternative to the commercial banks and we should do everything in our power to promote it.

I wish to raise a matter that came to my attention through media reports in recent days. It relates to our angling and coarse fishing industry. I was listening to the radio as I was stuck in traffic on the way to the House today. There was a report on the "News at One" about chub fish, which were introduced into this country two or three years ago. They attack trout and bream, in particular, and have the potential to cause very serious damage to our angling industry. In my part of the country and others, the fishing industry is a valuable tourist asset and I call on the Leader to ask the relevant Minister if his Department will make efforts to counteract the problem that exists or ensure that it is contained in the midlands, to where it seems to be limited at present. I do not know how that matter might be addressed. Something should be done, however, because the fish required for angling and coarse fishing cannot traverse the weir at Kilkenny. Action should be taken to avoid serious damage to that sector of the economy.