Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Leader of the Opposition, Senators MacSharry, Bacik, Conway, Harte, Cullinane, Walsh, Daly, Mullins and Burke all addressed the question of the plight of people and families in Donaghmede. This item was raised on the Order of Business last Wednesday or Thursday. At that time, I replied that the people who certified these buildings include architects, engineers, the lenders who lent the money and the legal profession on behalf of many clients. Many questions must be asked and answered about this situation. The judge stated that the situation was totally unacceptable and one he had not come across before. I assure Members that we will have a debate on the matter at a later stage and the Minister of State with responsibility for housing will be present. It is an appalling situation that families, children and elderly people have had to put up with in 187 apartments. Some 137 are occupied and those people have to leave their homes in this day and age, which is disgraceful. Many people have to answer for this debacle.

On a similar matter, I have arranged a debate on the Keane report on Tuesday. Members asked for it last week and it has now been arranged.

Senator Bacik called for an all-party motion on Dr. Rafah Nashed. We will look at that and we can have a motion on it. Senator Crown mentioned a similar motion. I am sure we can also come up with an all-party motion on the item he raised last week, which he has circulated to the party leaders.

Senator Barrett spoke about the flood defence wall in Clontarf. I was nearly going to say "the Battle of Clontarf". The idea of having a nine-foot barrier to prevent flooding does not seem very pleasing. It is an amenity that residents and people in the area have enjoyed for a long time and it would be a shame if it was lost. I will raise the matter with the Minister for the Environment, Heritage and Local Government.

Senator Conway raised the question of regulation of the various professions and asked whether the legislation was robust enough. This is a question we can address to the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government when he comes to the House. Senator Leyden spoke about the role of the judicial appointments board. We will certainly have a more transparent system with the appointment of the board than we had previously.