Darragh O'Brien (Fianna Fail)

On behalf of the Fianna Fáil group, I express our deepest condolences to the people of Norway on the brutal and senseless murder of many young people, the bombing in Oslo and the subsequent shootings.

I also express our satisfaction with the deal done last week. I commend the Taoiseach, the Minister for Finance and all others involved in securing a new EU deal. What this proves is that this is not an Irish issue but a Europe-wide one. The changes in the interest rate and the term of the loan repayments are welcome. As I said at the start of this Seanad term, my party will endeavour to be constructive at all times in regard to the business of the Oireachtas. Credit where credit is due, if one will excuse the pun. A watching brief is necessary because I do not believe Europe is through this crisis yet.

I draw Senators' attention to a motion on the Order Paper on Palestine, signed by 22 Senators. It calls for the recognition of a Palestinian state and expresses support for the Palestinians at the UN General Assembly meeting in September. I realise the Government may be somewhat constrained in this regard but I ask all Senators who have not yet signed this motion to look at the content of what we have tabled in conjunction with other colleagues in the House. Perhaps Senators will see their way to putting their names to this motion.

Proposals in regard to the household charge will be put to the Cabinet for a decision today. It is reported that the charge will be €100 per annum, substantially less than that originally proposed by the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government. It appears the Government is rolling back from a flat rate water charge and is moving towards Fianna Fáil's position of metered water charges, charging for water only when meters are in place, providing a certain amount of free water and of enshrining in that the ability to pay principle. Is it the Government's intention that water charges will not be imposed prior to the installation of water meters in households throughout the country?

As the Leader is aware, Private Members' time tomorrow will be devoted to the Family Home Bill 2011, which is sponsored by Senator MacSharry and others. Earlier this morning, I was interested to read that AIB has indicated it sent proposals to the Central Bank in respect of assisting people whose mortgages are in arrears. I ask Senators to peruse the Bill to which I refer, particularly as it provides us with an opportunity to enshrine in law protection for homeowners in respect of their principal private residences. I hope we can engage in a fruitful debate on the legislation tomorrow evening and that we will be able to enshrine in law the protection which many thousands of people are seeking.