John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I second that. What day next week will we have a debate on carers? I understood it was to take place this week but I would like to confirm we will have it next week.

I second Senator Healy Eames's amendment to the Order of Business to hold a debate today on the issue she and other Senators raised regarding HSE cut backs in respite care. Since I entered politics and public life, notable advances have been made in care in the community for people with mental disabilities and illness and, in some cases, the physical removal of walls around the old mental institutions. It is not acceptable that the HSE is discussing the possibility of taking people from their communities and putting them back in to these institutions.

I agree with Senator Ross in regard to the banking inquiry and the projections for NAMA. In regard to Senator Mooney's comments, I am surprised the Government was so naive as to take the word of these bankers, who are largely responsible for the difficulties in which we find ourselves, in respect of the commitments given to NAMA. It would be very useful if we could have a discussion with the Minister for Finance on the latest media revelations on NAMA and the terms of reference of the banking inquiry before we rise for the summer.