Martin Conway (Fine Gael)

I echo the sentiments of Senator Gilroy and others on communicating messages from this House. There has been much debate on the reform and abolition of the House. While we are here, we have a responsibility to communicate what we are doing to the people as best we possibly can. We have a very good communications unit in the House and further resources should be diverted thereto to enable it to send our message to as many people as possible.

It is great to see so many school groups visiting the House because this is bringing democracy to young people. Some years ago an outreach day was held here on a Saturday during which children from all over the country were invited to walk around the Houses of the Oireachtas. If this outreach day is being organised again, I would like to know the date on which it will be held. I suggest that on one Saturday per month, the Dáil and Seanad be opened for people who would like to visit, in the same way as they were opened for the young people.

Communications is important. We can justify our existence if we communicate our message to people. If there is a debate on education and we can alert those involved in education throughout the country that it is happening, we may be able to justify our existence.

I agree with the sentiments of the Leader of the Opposition, Senator O'Brien, in respect of AIB. I was very disturbed to read in recent days that AIB purchased over 100 cars registered in 2011. As far as I am concerned, the bank is a State agency. The State owns 93% of it, as Senator O'Brien correctly pointed out. Who authorised the bank to purchase the cars when the country is broke?

I admire the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan-----