Geraldine Feeney (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls of my colleague, Senator Mary White, for a debate on the Monageer report. I agree with her that it would have been better to leave blank pages rather than blackening out 29 pages.

Will the Leader write to the Simon Community, which is 40 years old today, to congratulate and commend it on the wonderful work it does in large towns and cities?

In the past month, many Members have called for a debate on the relationships which the recipients of mortgages and hire purchase agreements have with the banks. We have called several times for a debate on the impasse being experienced by small and medium-sized businesses with the banks. Small businesses' access to credit is being blocked by the banks. It sickens me to see a large van on Baggot Street advertising Bank of Ireland as a bank looking for business people and entrepreneurs when its doors are closed to them. I would like the Leader to take this matter seriously and schedule a debate on it.

When I heard "Morning Ireland" this morning, I was as surprised as everyone else about the golf arrangements and the sitting days for May. Like Senator MacSharry, I agree RTE picks up on negative spin. I am sorry it is a negative spin but we are bringing it on ourselves. I, for one, will come in here any day I am asked to do so. I take my duties as seriously as every other Member. I have gone out to support the workings of this Chamber on umpteen occasions.