Dan Boyle (Green Party)

I join in the notes of concern expressed by Senators in respect of the tragic road accident in County Donegal at the weekend. The fact that it occurred on the Inishowen Peninsula where 25 such deaths have occurred in the past number of years means particular attention must be given to the factors that exist in that part of the country and why so many tragic accidents involving large number of people occur.

I refer to the debates which are taking place and will take place on the ongoing banking crisis in the country. Senator O'Toole has put down one interesting marker in respect of who is being assisted here and for what reason. The debates have not been helped in the past by suggesting there are bailouts for developers. Likewise, the reference to figures left, right and centre that must be qualified about "may" and "could" without actually being realised do not help the debate either. It is clear that whatever course of action could have been followed in respect of the banking crisis, given that these financial institutions were licensed and badly regulated the State has picked up a liability that will cost billions of euro.

I refer to Senator McCarthy's call for a debate on e-voting machines.