Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I wish to second Senator Fitzgerald's proposed amendment to the Order of Business. It is the most important issue facing the country because without stability in the banking system our economic recovery will fail and we will not achieve the lift-off we all desire. The sooner this item at the top of the agenda is tackled the better. Although we do not have any details, there is talk that we will not have the necessary legislation before the autumn. Perhaps the Leader can clarify this. If that is so, it is wrong because it will do frightful damage to the economy. We cannot afford that delay, as damage is being done daily. Whatever else, the concept is agreed on this issue and I think there is scope for the Minister for Finance along with Deputy Richard Bruton and other party representatives to sit down together. This matter should be agreed in the national interest, but let us take the Fine Gael motion. We believe we can put forward an improved model. I ask the Leader to respond in detail.

I wish to raise another issue regarding legislation. We have had a hubbub in the past from the redoubtable father of the House and one or two others concerning the unregulated free-for-all in the auctioneering profession. If it were not for the two institutes there would not be a compensation fund to protect customers. Now, of course, some of these estate agencies are collapsing given the state of the market and nobody gives a fig about the situation. The National Property Services Regulatory Authority exists in shadow form and has glorious offices in Navan. It also has staff and a website.