John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I join with other Members in welcoming Senator Dearey to the House. I hope he has a fruitful period in the Oireachtas and at the rate things are going, he may become a Minister within the next couple of weeks. I agree with and commend Senator Mary White on her comments with regard to the thalidomide survivors. The request of the Leader to have such a debate in the House, if possible, is a good idea. While I do not often echo the sentiments of Senator Feeney within the House, although I do so outside of it, she is absolutely correct, as are Members on this side of the House, to raise the issue of symphysiotomy. The Prime Time programme broadcast by RTE last week was fantastic. It was one of those programmes which appalled one while watching it and, having thought about it subsequently, was even more appalling. A full debate should be held in this House on this matter and a proper investigation should be carried out. It should not simply be carried out by the professions involved in this sector but should be a public inquiry. I also wish to record my disgust at the comments of Mr. Neary to the effect that those involved were in it for the money. These people were abused and deserve to have their rights vindicated, even at this late stage.

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business to have a debate on banking today on the conclusion of the scheduled business. This issue has been raised by a number of Members, including Senator Regan, who mentioned banking issues and Senator McFadden, who noted that AIB is pulling out of mortgage switching. The regulator should have a role in this regard. A number of years ago, Members were told that people could switch mortgages between financial institutions and I thought this would be a routine matter. Consequently, it is not good enough for AIB to make such a statement now. Moreover, Members are familiar with events over the weekend and last week in respect of Bank of Ireland, the State's investment therein and the €250 million rebate that should have been paid but which has not been received. This proposed debate on banking should be held before the adjournment of the House this evening.