Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael)

In endorsing the comments of previous speakers on the need for an independent inquiry into banking and the issues that brought us into the economic abyss, it is important that the Leader puts on the record the Government's intention with regard to the proposal by Professor Honohan yesterday. Unlike other jurisdictions, no one has been held accountable in this country except the ordinary citizen who was forced to bail out the banks. Even though it has become a cliché, the banks are not allowing liquidity to flow. Small and medium-sized enterprises are struggling, homes are being repossessed and ordinary taxpayers are struggling, yet we have those who Senator Ross identified as allowing us to get to this point swanning around or hiding because of their ignominy. There is a need for a debate and it should be held as a matter of urgency. Senator Ross is correct in saying that if the Government does not have the moral courage to hold an inquiry, the Seanad should hold one. Before I was elected, I remember watching the DIRT inquiry, which was a very good one.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to this House on two issues. I agree with Senator O'Toole regarding the need for local authorities to have devolution of powers for hunting. Local authorities make regulations and rules and implement by-laws. Our elected councillors and non-elected officials in each local authority are best placed to serve and put in place laws regarding local areas.

I ask the Leader, as I have asked the Deputy Leader, to invite the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to this Chamber. Last night on the Adjournment I sought an independent investigation into flooding in Cork. The reply of the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government to this House was disappointing and lacked integrity. It was a public relations spin exercise. I hope Senator Boyle agrees with me that we need an independent investigation. Will the Leader commit to holding an independent inquiry?