Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

In the past 18 months I have called for a structured debate on the difficult economic and financial position in which the country finds itself. I ask the leaders of parties and groups in the Seanad to agree to a meaningful and structured debate on the challenges facing the country. The calling for debates on various subjects has become a charade, with little progress being made. A structured debate on the economy and our financial difficulties would be meaningful. I ask for a structured debate on NAMA on an intermittent basis in order that its success, or otherwise, can be followed.

I ask the Leader to arrange a debate on the supports and services available to older people. A raft of supports and services are available to them but they are somewhat disjointed. We need joined-up services and supports.