Dominic Hannigan (Labour)

When the rate was cut in October one institution, ICS Building Society, passed on only 60% of the cut, keeping 40% for itself. This cannot go on. I urge these institutions to pass on cuts to homeowners.

President-elect Obama has started to put his team together and already the Russians have confronted him about the possibility that the US will place missile defence shields in Poland and the Czech Republic. They said that unless the US changes its intentions in this regard Russia will place missiles in Kaliningrad which, as we know, is surrounded by European Union countries. This is sheer sabre-rattling on the part of President Medvedev. Kaliningrad is only 300 miles from Copenhagen. That is how close it is to one of our capital cities. I ask the Leader to pass on to the Minister a request that we bring in Ambassador Rachmanin as soon as possible and tell him in the strongest terms that this is unacceptable behaviour from a neighbour.

Like other speakers, I was glad to see the turn-out at this week's presidential elections in the US. We all saw the lines of people queueing up to cast their votes. It was more reminiscent of a developing nation than of a mature democracy. Almost 140 million people voted and the turn-out was the highest in 100 years. It is a clear example of active citizenship on the part of United States citizens. Two years ago the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, set up the task force on active citizenship. Members will remember that at the time much work was done in this area. Meetings were held around the country and there was lots of enthusiasm from our citizens. A task force report was published very quickly, in March 2007, but since then very little has happened. Yesterday the steering group met the Taoiseach, but its budget has been cut from €200 million in 2008 to €56 million in 2009. How is it to implement any of the recommendations contained in the task force report? I ask the Leader to ask the Minister to come to the House to tell us how he expects to implement the findings in view of the fact that the budget has been cut by 72%.