Ivor Callely (Fianna Fail)

I support the calls to address the difficulties that pertain in the public service. It is important we make the point that the constitutional right to travel must be honoured. Whatever action is necessary to address the difficulties in the Passport Office, they must be addressed. That may require difficult political decisions and I would like to think the House would support such a decision once it ensures people have their constitutional right upheld. Last Tuesday I brought to the Leader's attention how President Reagan addressed the air traffic controllers dispute. We should not lose sight of the options. There seems to be a cushion against this measure being used in Ireland. I hold strong views on the strength of feeling we should have about constitutional rights, irrespective of the designation of citizenship.

Regarding banking and financial difficulties, NAMA has been introduced and we hope it will address the heavy burden of debt associated with construction. There is a major burden of debt on individuals and householders and there does not seem to be the same emphasis on an organisation to assist those individuals. On occasions this pushes individuals to do things they would not normally do. This is linked to the actions and attitude of banking officials. We must address this and discuss it and I ask the Deputy Leader to enter into discussion with other party or group leaders to come up with an appropriate forum or mechanism for this debate.