Ivor Callely (Independent)

I congratulate my colleague, Senator Mary White, on the progress she has made in respect of thalidomide victims. The three requests she is making warrant positive outcomes in each case, not only the disclosure of the legal documents, but in the compensation and apology. I would like to think we will see these forthcoming. I trust the Leader will take the opportunity to relay this message to the appropriate authorities and to encourage success on the other two fronts as well.

I refer to Senator Fitzgerald's proposal regarding the difficulties we are in as a country and the challenges we face. We are in extraordinary times which deserve an extraordinary reaction and response. Many support Senator Fitzgerald's view that we should not take a break for the period involved given the challenges with which we are currently faced and this is my view as well. Equally, I maintain there is no point in saying we will sit unless we have a meaningful agenda on how to best address the challenges facing the country. I refer to a point I have raised here on many occasions, that is, there should be all party and Leader agreement on such issues, they should be tabled well in advance and everyone should contribute in a meaningful and positive way. This is how the public expects us to respond to such challenges.

I refer to the comments of Senator Coghlan with regard to SMEs and moneys made available by the two main banks, namely, Bank of Ireland and Allied Irish Banks. I support the view that it is easy for banks to give to good, viable businesses. The issue is that risk takers also require support. Most importantly, the equity requirement must be played down rather than played up, which the banks are doing at present. Will the Leader table a discussion later this year on supports by Government for SMEs?