Michael McCarthy (Labour)

As credit unions have been front page news this morning, Senator O'Toole is justified in raising the matter. Regulation is important and the Houses have bemoaned the absence in recent years of proper regulation of the banking system. In this case an attempt is being made by the Financial Regulator to put a framework in place for credit union cash reserves. Introducing a strict new ratio reserve by September this year will put pressure on credit unions. The regulator went on to say, however, that some flexibility will be built into the regulations. As credit unions are owned by their members, the latter have access to reasonable rates when they start saving. The ILCU has a duty to its members to ensure transparency and governance and that credit unions are flexible in their dealings with the regulator.

Will the Leader arrange a debate on the operation of the HSE, an organ of the State that executes Government policy? I am very concerned about this matter and I am raising this issue at national level. The HSE is engaged in a war against acute hospitals in the southern area. We know what it has done to services in Nenagh and elsewhere. Cynically, the Teamwork report on the future of accident and emergency services at Tralee, Bantry and Mallow general hospitals will not be published until after the local and European elections. On Friday of this week, the Taoiseach will travel to west Cork to give a commitment on the future of Bantry General Hospital. This will come a week after the Irish Examiner leaked the story that the Government, through the HSE, will downgrade ICU and accident and emergency services at that hospital. Will the Leader arrange a debate on the way in which the HSE does its business and on the connection between the Government and the HSE? The latter is trying to close acute hospitals and the Taoiseach will travel all the way to Bantry this week to give a commitment about that hospital's future. Someone is clearly not telling the truth.

Regarding the appearance of photographs on election posters and the fact that they may be air brushed, to be fair to a Government town council candidate in my area - Senator O'Donovan will be aware of this - his photograph on the ballot paper has been almost blacked out. That was brought to the candidate's attention by people who avail of postal ballots and he is justifiably considering legal action. I suggest that we consult The Southern Star because last week the same candidate forgot to mention the Fianna Fáil logo in his election material.