Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The Government stance is that we urge all the banks to pass on the interest rate cuts to mortgage holders. Senator Whelan raised the issue of Abbeyleix nursing home. The matter went to the courts. Meaningful discussions should always be held prior to the closure of nursing homes throughout the country. Senator Whelan raised the question also of delays in redundancy payments. I have had representations from people in that regard also. Redundancy payments should be made in a proper timescale. Senators van Turnhout and Leydon asked for a new committee for the prevention of torture and the appointment of a Member to it. The Minister will be in the Chamber most of tomorrow, so there may be an opportunity in some of those exchanges to question him on this issue.

Senator Norris called for a debate on the banking sector, economic matters and the power of rating agencies, in particular, an issue he has addressed on several occasions in the House. Senators Mullen and Mullins referred to the allegations regarding a former Christian Brother, now deceased, and urged that all segments of the RTE programme in question be investigated. I certainly agree with that. It is my understanding that the matter is being investigated by the Oireachtas Committee on Communications, Natural Resources and Agriculture, of which Senator Whelan is a member. The committee has deferred bringing in the director general until the report on that broadcast is published. Likewise, I propose that we defer our debate on standards in the media pending the publication of that report.

Senator Moloney sought clarification in regard to the GP-only medical card. The Senator might consider raising this as an Adjournment matter. In addition, I will seek clarification from the Minister in this regard. Senator Burke spoke about the workings of the House. Members are entitled to propose as many amendments as they wish to the Order of Business. However, it was a ludicrous situation yesterday, where almost every member of the Cabinet was requested to come into the House. It is absolutely ludicrous that such requests are made. It is difficult enough to get Ministers in here to address legislation at scheduled times; to expect the entire Cabinet to address the Chamber immediately following the Order of Business is utterly ridiculous.

Senator Cullinane raised the question of the budgetary process. We will have early debates on the budget next year. Senator Byrne raised the budget provisions in regard to the fuel allowance, and several Members raised issues relating to social welfare benefits. The fuel allowance will be available for six months. The provision can be examined in the context of the debate on the Social Welfare Bill next week. In mentioning the cutbacks in the fuel allowance, I note that Senator Byrne did not mention the ending of the Christmas welfare bonus by the previous Government.