Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

I support the proposal made by Senator Frances Fitzgerald and I second the amendment to the Order of Business to have the debate on the Brussels package, which is timely and appropriate. Allied to that is the question that has been raised by Senator Twomey regarding Anglo Irish Bank. We know there were 101 questions from the Commission regarding Anglo's plans, which were submitted some time ago, and we have read that the final questions are to be answered this week. The Commission will rule on what will happen.

The important point could be that the good bank element, if it is agreed and signed off, could become the nucleus of a third force, which is so necessary in banking and from the banking perspective in this country. I have raised the issues of vesting orders and the powers granted to NAMA under the National Asset Management Agency Bill, which both Houses approved. In response to a query from our learned colleague, Senator Cummins, the Minister for Finance has now stated that "section 204(3) of the NAMA Act will be amended to reflect the commitment regarding tax information when the next legislative opportunity arises". It should be noted that the commitment relates to NAMA getting information from the Revenue Commissioners and does not disturb the power or reverse it.

Questions have been raised by Senator Cummins, myself and others, and perhaps there are other flaws which may not be so tiny. We do not know. In conjunction with Senator Fitzgerald's comments, the Leader could take such issues on. I encourage him to do so.

It is disappointing to hear from no less a person than Archbishop Diarmuid Martin that there is a lingering denial of child abuse because of a prevailing culture of secrecy. In line with all other Senators we should be supportive of the archbishop and other bishops, together with the good forces out there trying to get matters right.