Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Prendergast, Coghlan, Regan, Alex White, Burke and Walsh called for the a discussion on the issues raised yesterday in regard to NAMA, in particular in respect of mortgage holders and how the Government can assist them in this difficult time. I agree fully with all the sentiments expressed by colleagues who can put their questions to the Minister or Minister of State present in the House today for completion of Committee, Report and Final Stages of the Bill.

Senator Fitzgerald quite correctly stated, in regard to support for small and medium enterprises, that alarmingly 80% of businesses are SMEs. This is a critical area to which the Government must provide assistance. During our pre-budget debate, we will have to come up with a formula and ideas to assist the Minister and the Government on how SMEs can be kept going to retain the current 800,000 jobs they provide.

Senator Prendergast referred to social welfare payments and to those who are providing the important service. I fully agree with her sentiments, which I will pass on to the Minister. It is difficult to believe that the Health Service Executive will not allow qualified nurses to administer the swine flu vaccination on a voluntary basis.