Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

A man who became known as "Joe the Plumber" was made famous during the United States presidential election campaign for the views he expressed on the economic policies of one of the candidates. We are all meeting Joe the Plumbers wherever we go, whether at a function or on the street, all of whom are anxious to impart their views on what needs to be done to revive the economy.

There is no doubt that clarity is required in regard to the banking system. There is a general view that €20 billion is available for drawing down from the pension fund. It is my understanding that this money is tied up and that penalties will apply if it is removed from the vehicles in which it is invested. I support colleagues' calls on the Leader to arrange for the Minister for Finance to outline to the House the Government's fiscal and banking policy. We must have clarity in this regard.

I disagree with my colleague, Senator Hanafin, and support the views expressed by others that the Combat Poverty Agency, Equality Authority and Irish Human Rights Commission have done extraordinary work. Although I agree to some extent that the new Oireachtas committee structure is well equipped to deal with such issues, there should nevertheless be a debate on the situation of these bodies.