Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

It is not about property developers. The intention is to put the banks into a position whereby they can lend again to families and small businesses so that credit can flow. This is essential if we are to create and sustain employment. This is the simple explanation I have put together for a Senator who inquired about the matter yesterday. I wish the Minister well in his efforts to free up credit because if the present situation continues for the next three or four months, it will be very difficult for families to survive, pay the wages of their staff and keep their doors open while paying off their debts to banks or for their leases. The coming four or five months will be crucial for Ireland and the support of all parliamentarians from both Houses will be necessary as we address the bad debts which are killing credit. I wish the Government well in this regard.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on the economy. I have no difficulty with arranging such a debate at any time. We debated NAMA on Tuesday and will consider the Finance Bill today. We are discussing all the major issues affecting the economy.

Senator Cummins noted that the sister of Joe Rafferty is standing in the elections to make a statement and to seek support. We support her in every shape and form. It is regrettable that she must face challenges in terms of interference and bullying. We live in a democracy, thanks be to God, and generations from both sides of this House gave their lives in 1916, 1921 and 1922. We thought we were free of that after the Good Friday Agreement in the North of Ireland. I condemn the actions highlighted by Senator Cummins. I call on the Garda Commissioner to act immediately on the incident that Senator Cummins highlighted. The greatest democratic opportunity the public has is to freely cast votes in the ballot box in support of who we think will best lead us in local government in the coming four or five years.

I agree with Senator O'Donovan's reference to the transfer of marketing powers from Bord Iascaigh Mhara to Bord Bia. The latter body's great marketing powers must be commended on promoting good food products.

Other Senators referred to the Spirit of Ireland and I responded to that point.

Senator Quinn commented on events in North Korea, which present a major international challenge. As he pointed out, 57,000 American soldiers who fought in the Korean war are laid to rest in Arlington cemetery. Perhaps even more Korean soldiers died in that war in the 1950s. We do not want to see that conflict resuming in any shape or form in the future.