Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senator Callely called for a debate on psychiatric services; I have no difficulty in that taking place and I will allocate time for it. Senator Coghlan again pointed out his serious concerns regarding banking and related issues. I will come back to the House next week to update it on the proposals relating to NAMA. As I have already said, the Finance Bill will be taken on the last Thursday in May.

Senator Mary White brought to the attention of the House something which everybody here, regardless of political shades, would have to agree upon. That is the quality of care for older people in the autumn of their lives, particularly quality of life, choice of long-stay options and privacy in rooms. All of these matters give quality to our senior citizens in their retirement years. I congratulate the Senator for all she is doing in this area in helping and assisting people. Whenever time is requested, we will be able to have the new Minister of State, Deputy Áine Brady, come to the House.

Senator Cannon expressed strong views, as I did yesterday, on the 20% of mortgage holders who are caught in fixed interest rates, which are currently penal. This is particularly so where one of the income earners in the house, or perhaps the only income earner, is unemployed. There should be some strategy for this, such as a 12-month or even a two-year moratorium. If people have a loan over five or ten years and have made the constant repayments every month on the button, those who have worked hard to gain this reputation should certainly be considered again.

We are playing our part to keep banking alive in the country, as has been pointed out by the Senator, and there has been significant investment by the taxpayer. In their hour of need, surely we must have an influence if we have 25% of the shares of the two major banks on the island. I will inquire further on this and perhaps we can discuss it with the Minister for Finance when the Finance Bill comes before the House in two weeks.

Senator Larry Butler outlined to the House the good news on wind energy innovations which are taking place through two or three consortia. I know Senator Butler has taken the spirit of Irish innovators through the House for all Members to hear and to witness their inventions in the near future. We have an opportunity in Ireland and in a short time - perhaps ten years - we could become a user of clean new energy and perhaps even export it in coming years. It could be a significant asset, as the raw material costs nothing. From that perspective, I welcome the Senator's announcement and we can have a debate on that when necessary.

Senator Buttimer called for a debate on social partnership and I have no difficulty in having time left aside for this also. The matter of sitting days next week will be decided by how business progresses today. We will come back to the House this evening on that matter.