Dan Boyle (Green Party)

Senator Coghlan asked about the status of the National Asset Management Agency Bill. Much detailed work has gone into this Bill. I have been lead to believe that the heads of the Bill comprise 77 pages. It is expected that the Bill will be completed this month. A decision will have to be taken on when the House reconvenes to deal with it. However, I accept what Senator Coghlan said about the need to deal with it speedily because it is necessary that clear signals are sent in regard to the need to repair our financial services system. I also accept the point made by Senator O'Toole that we also need to address the other areas of economic concern, in particular unemployment. I hope Private Members' time next week will provide Members will an opportunity to debate that issue.

Senator Norris spoke about the need to congratulate our colleague, Senator Shane Ross, on his award of journalist of the year. I am happy to do so even if he does not always write pleasant things about me or my party.