Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senators David Norris, Fidelma Healy Eames and Mark Daly have requested a debate on the economy. The Finance (No. 2) Bill will be before the House in a fortnight. I have spoken to the Minister for Finance in that regard. On Second Stage he is prepared to allow Members to expand their contributions to deal with a number of the matters on which a debate has been requested, including NAMA and a number of other financial matters. Rather than allocating two hours for the debate on Second Stage, we can extend the time to be allotted. I hope this will satisfy those Members who have sought a debate on the economy and related matters.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames sought a debate on education, a subject also mentioned by other Members. I hope to have the Minister for Education and Skills come before the House next week to deal with the issue of language support teachers for special needs pupils. Members can also raise other education matters during the statements.

Senator Mark Daly raised the matter of the Attorney General requiring evidence from him. Last week in the House he made an allegation of corruption against NAMA. I presume he has evidence of the allegation of corruption he mentioned under privilege. We will certainly discuss the matter at the meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges tomorrow.

Senators Paul Coghlan and Mark Daly discussed the issue of Irish Coast Guard equipment at the stations on Malin Head and Valencia. It is dreadful that new equipment has been in storage for two years and not been used. My information is that both Irish Coast Guard stations will be refurbished and that the equipment will be put in place at that time. It is an indictment of the previous Minister for Transport that €5 million was spent on new equipment which was not put in place. I am sure the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport will be delighted to address the House at later stage.

Senator Paschal Moloney raised the serious matter of mortgage repayments. There is a two-year moratorium with regard to institutions guaranteed by the State. This is a matter that can be addressed during the debate on Second Stage of the Finance (No. 2) Bill in a fortnight.

Senators Labhras Ó Murchú and Jim Walsh called for an invitation to be issued to the First Minister and the Deputy First Minister. This can be done. We will discuss the matter at the Committee on Procedure and Privileges tomorrow.

Senator David Cullinane asked why Sinn Féin could not be represented on the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. Sinn Féin has only three Senators and five are required to form a group for representation on the committee.