Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I refer to the proposals of the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources and I am surprised Members consider these a matter of surprise. From the reviewed programme for Government, released at the same time as the House was discussing the NAMA legislation, it is quite clear the Government intends to take strong measures in respect of mortgage protection. A section of that document is dedicated to how we intend to deal with that problem. The statement by the Minister on the formation of a task force will have that as the modus operandi of the task force to be formed and which will report imminently. In politics, the establishment of something in a few short weeks is not something of a delay. I believe it will be seen to take the necessary measures.

The points raised by Senator Alex White in terms of the bank inquiry are very important. He will be aware, as will every Member, that Members of the Seanad are restricted from participating in select committees of the Oireachtas. It is my hope that Members can and will be involved in that process. One of the reasons for delaying or thinking hard about how such committees should be formed is to ensure the input of the Seanad is appropriate to that process.

While I do not agree with the proposed amendment to the Order of Business, everyone in the House shares the view that there should be an inspectorate of residential homes for people with an intellectual disability. Also, the House recognises that the responsible Minister of State, Deputy John Moloney, has always been forthcoming in coming to the House and debating such issues. I call for the amendment to be phrased such that at the soonest possible opportunity the Minister of State would come before the House to debate the issue.