Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

Senators Fitzgerald, O'Toole, Alex White, Boyle, Coffey, Ormonde, MacSharry, Donohoe, Mooney, Coghlan, Cummins, Hanafin and Doherty all raised the issue of pensions. I certainly welcome what Máire Geoghegan-Quinn has done and I certainly wish her well. There are reports from across Europe that Ireland has one of the best Commissioners representing the European Union and this country. She is a person of great ability and I look forward to Members working with her in the best interests of Europe and Ireland. I also acknowledge the presence in the Visitors Gallery of the former Minister for Education, Councillor Niamh Bhreathnach. I am looking forward to the women's debate on politics and it is timely that it is taking place this week, which is the 94th anniversary of the 1916 Rising. I also look forward to the participation of many colleagues in the House and if additional time is needed, I have left time in order that this debate can be rolled over.

As for the up-to-date position in respect of NAMA and the social dividend in particular, Members will be aware the Minister will be in the House later today to participate in statements on banking and I have left time available at the end of that debate for a question and answer session on the very points Members have brought to the attention of the House. As for the credit review group and Senator Norris's point regarding the appearance of Mr. Peter Mathews, it is a matter for the Chairman and members of the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service as to whether a person should be invited to attend. I certainly will pass on the Senator's strong views in this regard on the conclusion of the Order of Business.

Senators Fitzgerald, Boyle, O'Toole, Norris, Ormonde and Bacik also called for an urgent debate on prisons, standards therein, the women's prison, conditions in Mountjoy and overcrowding. As the Fines Bill will be debated in the House all tomorrow afternoon, I strongly suggest that Members should then bring their views to the Minister, who will be present, on the kind of society we have-----