Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

I am responding to what she said and the blacks will prove that quite correctly. I am too long here to not know exactly what words mean when I respond. I support calls from all sides of the House in respect of the difficulties being experienced. The Minister is only too pleased to come to the House to clarify the up-to-date position on the issue.

Senators Fitzgerald, MacSharry, Coghlan, Donohoe and Hanafin spoke about NAMA. The Minister for Finance was in the House last night and referred to this during the debate on the Bill to reform the Central Bank. That was a terrific debate and a learning exercise. We are grateful to the Minister for providing us with an update on what is going on. His interview on "Morning Ireland" today was very encouraging and very enlightening. I am strongly of the opinion that to get out of this downturn in the economy in Ireland, the Government and the public sector will not make it happen, but the private sector will make it happen when it has the tools of its wares, by which I mean funding from the banks. I am pleased with the Minister's announcement this morning that he would bring forward an initiative next week on funding for SMEs by our two major banks, which the Government has called for in respect of the €6 billion investment that they have to make over two years.

The Minister assured the people this morning about the NAMA figures that were released nine months ago in comparison with those released yesterday. In the worst case scenario where there was an €800 million shortfall, he said he would levy the banks and it would not cost the taxpayer one cent. That was an assurance that every taxpayer wanted to hear. The confidence the people have in our Minister for Finance is our big hope for the future. I look forward to very many more visits of the Minister to the House to listen to the proposals and suggestions made by him and by my colleagues in the House. It was an enlightening time to be in the House last night during the debate on the Central Bank Reform Bill.

Senators O'Toole, Buttimer, Hanafin, Harris, Donohoe and McCarthy all expressed concerns about No. 1 on the order paper, which is to be taken without debate. If colleagues wish to have a debate on it, I can certainly provide for one after the summer recess. Most of this has come about because of the reduction in the number of Ministers of State from 20 to 15. Certain portfolios had to be rejoined and put back together again, which has led to a massive net saving to the Exchequer.

Senator Alex White spoke about the legal environment surrounding married parents, adoption rights and the referendum on children's rights. I will pass on the Senator's strong views to the Minister. I have no difficulty inviting the Minister back to the House. He was in the House this week when we debated this issue and he updated it on his portfolio.

I join Senators Keaveney and Hanafin in congratulating the ESB on this historic occasion. I congratulate Padraig McManus, the chief executive officer, and all the ESB directors on their purchase of the Northern Ireland grid. It makes good commercial sense. The ESB is a flagship of success and the contribution it is making throughout the world is a shining example of what a good Irish company can achieve. I wholeheartedly congratulate it on its initiative in this area.

Senator Keaveney referred to North-South Ministerial Council meetings. I intend to invite the Taoiseach to the House to update us from time to time on the progress of these meetings. I will try to arrange for him to come to the House at the earliest possible time. It is a good idea that we review the situation, as Senator Keaveney said, and are able to make proposals. Senators living adjacent to the Six Counties could have an input into these meetings.

Senator MacSharry and Leyden referred to mortgages. I agree with Senator Leyden that a two-year timeframe is a must. One year is nowhere near what is required. In fact, a two or three-year timeframe is required. Until people go back to work and get a good track record, we should fully support them in dealing with the difficulties 90% of them are experiencing for the first time in their lives. I fully agree with what was said. I congratulate Senator MacSharry on his report. Senator Butler has also made a tremendous contribution in this area, as have many colleagues on the Opposition side of the House. Good proposals have been taken from Seanad Éireann and included in the report.

Senators Mullen, Norris, Quinn, Harris, Hanafin, McCarthy, Ross and Bacik all expressed their views regarding a free vote in the House. We can all read about 1936 when the House was full of Independent Members. The Taoiseach of the day had to dissolve the House because agreement could not be reached and legislation could not be processed. That is why the party system must be in place. The Government is elected by the people to govern and bring forward and amend legislation. That is what we are doing today. Everyone supports human rights and that is what we are doing today in a very meaningful way.

We all have our strong Christian beliefs. We all firmly believe there is a much better place than here to go to.