Ivana Bacik (Independent)

On behalf of the Labour Party, I join Senator Darragh O'Brien in offering our condolences to the people of Norway in respect of the brutal murders which occurred last weekend. Everyone would agree that those murders were chilling in nature and must be condemned outright. For those of us in the Labour Party, it is particularly terrifying to consider the comparison with this country. We also hold a youth summer camp every year. It is dreadful to think that such a camp, in which teenagers and young children are involved, could be targeted in this appalling and horrific way. We all offer our sympathy to the people of Norway.

I welcome the announcement on Friday last of the reduction in the interest rate and the extension of the period applying to Ireland's loans from the EU, etc. That was a major achievement on the part of the Government. Both Labour and Fine Gael made commitments to have the interest rate reduced during the election campaign but many doubted whether this could be done. We are all glad to see that it now has been done. As Senator Darragh O'Brien stated, there is a watching brief in respect of this matter because there is a much larger context than just that relating to the loans to Ireland and the terms relating thereto. What has been achieved will ease our great financial difficulties and is to be welcomed.

I accept that it is to be taken without debate but I welcome the motion on changing the name of the Seanad Public Petitions Committee. For the information of colleagues I wish to state that it is not intended to change anything about the committee other than its name. At a meeting of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges it was agreed that the name should be changed to the Seanad Public Consultation Committee because this provides a more accurate and appropriate description of what we intend to do, namely, to seek consultation with and submissions from members of the public and to allow for greater engagement with the latter in this House than has been the case heretofore. The terms of reference already drawn up by the CPP will stand and it is anticipated that the type of public consultation to which I refer will be able to take place from September next. What is envisaged will be an important new addition to the work of the Seanad. It will also make that work more effective and visible.

I welcome the announcement to the effect that the House will debate the Cloyne report this week. I am aware that the schedule for today and tomorrow is quite crowded. I compliment the Leader, therefore, for ensuring that the House will be able to engage in a two-hour debate on the report. I believe I am correct in stating that the debate can continued in the autumn because there may be Senators who may wish to contribute but who may not be able to do so during the two hours set aside. I hope that, if necessary, the House will be able to continue its debate on the report in the autumn. We will be in a position to discuss the announcement that the papal nuncio has been recalled, the Taoiseach's announcement that he is awaiting an official response from the Vatican and other matters tomorrow. I welcome the fact that we will have the opportunity to debate the report this week.