Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Last week, Senator Leyden made a statement to the House which we were all very concerned about. I congratulate the Senator on bringing it to our attention. I am pleased to see there was a successful outcome and that there is a humane section in some of the banks regarding the issue that was brought to the attention of the House. This shows the importance of the House in matters of urgency, which the Senator pointed out.

Senator Cummins brought to my attention an issue regarding the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and candidates not being allowed to canvass. This is very serious and I will contact the Office of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform immediately after the Order of Business and will return to the House on Thursday morning with an update. I thank the Senator for bringing it to the House's attention. Senator Cummins raised the fact that Waterford Crystal workers have not received their statutory redundancy benefits 14 weeks after they finished work. This is unacceptable. I fully agree with the sentiments and I will contact the Minister for an update on the situation in which these unfortunate workers find themselves.

Senators Butler and Glynn brought to the House's attention the issue of banks lending to small and family sized businesses, banking for the future, and asked for a debate in the presence of the Minister for Finance. In regard to the investment the Government has made in the banks, Senators Butler asked - Senator Ross also alluded to this issue - that the Government publish on a monthly basis the percentage of loans to small, medium and family businesses. As we all know, those in small businesses give employment to 800,000 people. That is a very good suggestion and I will pass it on the Minister.

Senator Mullen welcomed the debate on overseas aid that will take place during Private Members' time tomorrow night. Senators Glynn and Coffey spoke on wage cuts, the elimination of bank holiday pay, small travel allocations for workers and the fact that employers use the downturn as a reason not to give a reasonable day's pay for a hard day's work. Second Stage of the Finance Bill will be taken here on Thursday, 28 May and that will be an opportunity to point this out to the Minister. I know Senators will avail of the opportunity to do this.

Senator Healy Eames raised the issue of the mother and child. I agree with the Cathaoirleach that if this matter were raised on the Adjournment Debate perhaps an update on this unfortunate, hard-pressed issue could be ascertained in a very speedy way.