Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I advise Senator O'Reilly that is the up to date position. I have no difficulty in having a debate on the challenges facing local authorities. Many people are considering the alternative of boring wells to achieve efficiencies and cut costs.

Senator Norris raised an issue concerning the GNIB and the Irish National Immigration Service of the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform and the fact that €150 was charged on two occasions for emergency visas. I will bring this matter to the attention of the Minister.

Senators O'Reilly and John Paul Phelan called for a debate on care of the elderly, particularly regarding the issues concerning HIQA that they have highlighted.

Senator Hanafin called for a debate on the regulation of financial services. This is a serious and urgent issue that should be debated. I ask colleagues when contributing to the Finance Bill to highlight this issue to the Minister. For colleagues who may have been at a committee meeting yesterday morning, I advise that I propose that spokespersons will have 20 minutes and all other senators will have 15 minutes to make their contributions on the Second Stage of the Finance Bill. The debate sought by Senator Hanafin is one that should take place. I listened to a radio programme on my way to the House this morning and noted that the future success of our banking system lies in addressing of challenges facing regulation in terms of how strict will be the regulation of our financial services.

Senator Corrigan requested that I allow sufficient time for consideration of the mental capacity and guardianship Bill when it comes before the House. I give an undertaking today that I will allow whatever time is required for colleagues to have sufficient time to deliberate on their contributions to that Bill.

Senators Burke and Bacik called a debate on the regional planning guidelines. I know that in my county we have been given until 28 March to make our contribution in this regard. Senator Bacik raised the issue of the Dublin city development plan and provisions to ensure a better quality of life for people. Did I understand her to say that she is completely opposed to one off housing? Was that a slip of the tongue?