Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

In speaking about the dreadful double murder this morning in Finglas, Senator Brian Hayes observed that for many years we all worried privately and in our public discussions about the activities of subversives and that what is happening now is another type of subversion, equally dangerous to that which occupied our minds for so long. He asked how the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform proposes to deal with such summary executions.

The Senator also spoke about the exposé of the housing market that featured on "Prime Time Investigates" and, in particular, the connection between mortgage companies and particular buyers. I agree the extraordinary evidence of insider collusion is the worst aspect of the matter. First-time buyers must scrimp, save, beg, borrow and cajole to purchase a home, and their entire future and life aspirations are bound up in that. Some of these practices are already unlawful under existing legislation. The Data Protection Act 1988, for instance, imposes restrictions on the exchange of information about individuals.

Senator O'Toole echoed Senator Brian Hayes's comments on the murders in Finglas. He also referred to the Competition Authority's report on the legal profession. The latter is the last frontier in terms of the lack of a system of independent regulation. I was displeased with the comments of a certain director general — whom I will not name — whose knee-jerk reaction involved a defence of what had and had not been done and what would not be done in future. In many cases, we are faced with mysteries wrapped up in further mysteries. We all agree there are many decent solicitors and barristers and many of us depend on such people for our legal dealings. There are many areas, however, in which we are not allowed step into their world. I do not know why this is the case.

Senator Ryan observed that in the past, members of the Garda Síochána would attend any meeting in respect of which there was even a suggestion of anything subversive. The Senator called on the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to attend the House to speak about resources and priorities for the force.

He also called for a debate on the nursing home proposals. The Minister for Health and Children, Deputy Harney, said in a television interview last night that she wishes to facilitate a regime of consultation on the matter. She has given me an undertaking to come into the House in the first week of the new session to discuss her proposals. Committee and Report Stages of the Health (Nursing Homes) (Amendment) Bill 2006 will be taken in the House after Christmas. By its nature, however, Committee Stage is a truncated mechanism. I welcome the Minister's undertaking to discuss the matter with Senators. Her proposals are worthy of debate.

Senator Ryan reminded us of the sufferings of the Palestinian people and observed that large numbers of them face slow and painful deaths through hunger and disease. He asked that all our consciences be finally awakened on this matter.

Senator Leyden referred to the shooting dead of the postmaster in County Kilkenny. He also spoke about the Competition Authority's report on the legal profession. I agree the "Prime Time Investigates" investigation was powerful in the way it got to the heart of the matter. We were already aware of many of the issues but it is hugely important that they were highlighted in conjunction with related matters in this way.

Senator Finucane referred to the photograph of the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Parlon, and the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, at the official opening of the Data Protection Commissioner's office in Portarlington. There is nothing unusual in such a joint appearance.

I agree with the Senator that the saddest aspect of today's double murder is that the young apprentice plumber was an entirely innocent and unwitting murder victim. He heard and saw what took place and his life was deemed expendable. His murderers simply got rid of him in case his presence at the scene of the crime posed any danger to themselves.

Senator Finucane also referred to specialised programmes for people who have been in certain types of job and may want to change, particularly in the case of the Castlemahon Foods workers. I will convey the Senator's views to the Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment.