Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I applaud the Minister on his stance on this issue. As I pointed out to the House last week, and Senator O'Toole expressed the same view, the ICC Bank and the ACC Bank were there to assist the 800,000 people, or 40% of our workforce, employed by small and medium-sized businesses and small family businesses. The Government agency banks no longer exist and any struggling business, small or large, presenting itself to banks is finding it difficult to obtain the facilities necessary to continue in business in these globally difficult times.

This is a reasonable request and anyone providing employment in the country can see a ray of hope from this statement by the Minister last Friday to his colleagues with whom he is working closely in the banking world. I look forward to seeing whether this can be addressed in a meaningful way. The regulator should be obliged to monitor the situation on a bimonthly basis to ensure the banks are operating according to the letter of the law. The maintenance of jobs will be of paramount importance in the next year or 18 months. It is vital in this regard that small businesses are supported by the banks.

Senator O'Sullivan asked me to convey to the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the Minister for Foreign Affairs the activities of persons in his county and elsewhere in southern parts of the State who are posing as Australian agents and providing misinformation to young men and women who wish to emigrate to that country. I am happy to convey the Senator's concerns. Senator O'Sullivan also asked the House to join him in offering congratulations to Michael Colgan and everybody else associated with the Gate Theatre on the occasion of its 80th anniversary. Neighbours of mine, the late Edward Longford and Mrs. Longford, used to organise street collections in Mullingar in the 1950s to keep the theatre open. Those of us who are old enough will remember how difficult it was in this country at that time.

Senators Leyden and Daly complimented FBD Insurance on its efforts to support people in paying their insurance premia and so on. The Senators expressed alarm at the prospect of the possible closure of 13 offices. I join in their call to the company to reconsider its decision in this regard.

Senator Ormonde called for a debate on the Lisbon treaty with reference to the findings of the Sub-Committee on Ireland's Future in the European Union, which operated under the excellent chairmanship of Senator Donohoe. Members of the sub-committee attended meetings on three days every week for the past four weeks. I will certainly endeavour to have time set aside for that debate.

Senator Regan expressed concern about motions being put before the House without debate. I suggest that the Senator outline any such concerns to his party leader in the House in advance of our weekly Tuesday meeting. I will consider any request made to me to allow debate on any particular issue. In order to ensure this is done in a uniform manner, I suggest that Senators ask their party or group leader to raise the issue in question at the weekly meeting.

Senator Buttimer expressed strong views of a personal nature. I am reliably informed that he comes from a strong Fianna Fáil background.