Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I share the delight at the release of Fr. Sinnott and congratulate everyone involved in helping to bring it about. It is wonderful for his family and for the Columbans. One hopes they can get on with the very good and useful work they are doing in so many far-flung places, especially in the Philippines, in a more peaceful way.

I share the concerns regarding NAMA. We had reservations about it. If it passes, then, in the national interest, we very much hope it will work. However, we still have grave doubts, as has been said this morning. There is so much to flow from it once its signed off on in Brussels, if it gets through the constitutional challenge which some are talking about. People have rights and there is a huge worry about the transfer of so many performing loans from every town and city in the country, with very worthwhile enterprises going into it against their wishes. Rights are involved here. While I do not know what will happen with regard to a constitutional challenge, the success of NAMA will depend on the detailed business plan which cannot be put in place until the legislation is through. I call for a debate on this issue.

As some comments have inadvertently sparked off a commentary on lobbying, I would also welcome a debate on that issue. I accept what has been said by many Senators.