Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

The default of a number of prominent solicitors is a serious matter. The protection of clients' funds is of paramount importance. Like Senator O'Toole, I do not want to be critical of the Law Society, but the regulatory regime must be examined if people managed to play fast and loose with funds or granted undertakings and increased borrowings against them. The society's powers could be increased, an independent body could be established or there could be an overarching arrangement involving an outside agency and the society. It is feared that there are many more cases and I would welcome the Leader's input during a debate in this regard.

I support Senator O'Toole regarding Shannon Airport. It appears there was a conspiracy, but irrespective of whether it involved people asking not to be told or the Sir Humphreys ensuring that people did not know, it is no way to run the business of Government. I support the call for a committee of the House or a joint committee to examine the matter. If civil servants behave in that way, parliamentarians should not tolerate it.