Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

All these matters and issues must be dealt with and we have got to show a lead as legislators in introducing regulations for the protection of children for the future. All morning as colleagues spoke in the strongest, most forcible and passionate way the thought went through my mind that the report brings us up to 1990. What is the situation from 1990 to today? It has been pointed out that we discussed the Adoption Bill here for seven days so we gave all the time that was necessary for Senators to make their views known.

We must deal with this report. Young boys who for the smallest of reasons, maybe mitching primary school for a few weeks, were placed in these institutions and to their horror have experienced lifelong suffering. Of course there was class distinction as Senators Harris, O'Toole and Ó Murchú pointed out, because it was a terrible time, during the Second World War and after, the early 1960s and 1970s, in the main when this happened. These are experienced commentators in their own fields, apart from being Members of Seanad Éireann who have given their views to the House.

Senator Norris proposed an amendment to the Order of Business and in principle we have no difficulty with the sentiment of his motion No. 9 on the Order Paper. I propose that next Wednesday we will deal with this report. I will meet with the leaders of the various groups after the Order of Business this morning to get an agreement from them on the time required for us to deal with this report starting next Wednesday. I can assure the House that there will be no time limit on colleagues who wish to make their views known on the report. At the start of the contributions next Wednesday I intend that we will take No. 9, the amendment proposed by Senator Norris and his colleagues.

It is hard to deal with anything else on the Order of Business this morning but Senator McCarthy raised matters regarding fixed rate mortgages. Up to 20% of mortgage holders may have fixed interest rates. Next Tuesday afternoon and evening we will have statements on the National Asset Management Agency, NAMA, as requested yesterday. The issue raised by the Senator could be discussed then because financial issues will be under consideration in the House. The Finance Bill will be taken in the House next Thursday. I agree with the sentiments of the Senator regarding mortgage holders with fixed interest rates.

With regard to upskilling and the family tree, as we all refer to genealogy, in the 1980s when there was no employment, the bishops in the dioceses, to be fair to them, took on one or two staff in every parish to put together the data on births, deaths and marriages which date back to 1820 and 1830 in most cases. The Senator's suggestion in this regard is worthwhile and we will see how we can make progress thereon.

Senator Keaveney expressed serious concern over young people at risk and especially young people who are dying. I will certainly have no difficulty in passing her strong views on to the Minister. I will consider her point on Ordnance Survey maps referring to Londonderry and Doire but not to Derry and all the issues in respect of which she has practical experience.

Senator Callely expressed his sheer disappointment over the centralisation of the medical card system. Every Member of this House believes it is not a good move by the HSE and we all wish responsibility would be returned to the dedicated hard-working staff in all the old health board areas where every two counties had perhaps one person looking after the medical card system who, in many cases, knew many of those applying. Centralising the system will certainly not make it more efficient; it is a step backwards.