Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

The focus is now on reducing the cost of the funds used to capitalise and fund the banks. I certainly share the public's dismay at the cost of this policy and the delay it caused to the State's recovery, but unfortunately, the truth is that the vast majority of Anglo Irish Bank debts were paid off under the previous Government.

Senator Mac Conghail also complimented, along with Senator O'Keeffe, the Irish people involved in the films that were nominated for Oscars. I am sure we would all like to join in these congratulations. Senator Mac Conghail also called for a debate on Seanad reform similar to the one we had on jobs ideas. I requested that members of the groups send me a bulleted list of ideas from their various members which were expressed in the debate. The debate was well attended, with more than 30 Senators taking part, and we had some excellent suggestions. It is my intention that when I receive those bulleted lists - which I hope will happen today - I will present them to the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton. I hope we will be given feedback on these ideas, as has been requested by Members, along with an update on how the Government is making progress on them. It was an excellent debate which lasted for more than three hours, and it was certainly a good thing for the Seanad to do.

Senator D'Arcy mentioned the exhibition on the Holocaust in Europe, which he recommended that people visit, and called for a balanced view of Palestine-Israel relations. Senator Norris stated that we should mark the achievements of this Seanad and called for a debate on the economy. Senator Moloney spoke about the restrictions on mná tí in the Gaeltacht. I do not know whether it was the Minister with responsibility for the Gaeltacht who put this cap on mná tí. I will speak to the Senator afterwards and try to get information for her.

Senator Paul Coghlan also spoke about the reforms in the Seanad and its achievements in the past. I heard Senator Daly's comments on the former Senator, Dr. Maurice Hayes. Dr. Hayes was one of the best Senators we ever had in this House. He was an excellent person and is well suited to being part of the Taoiseach's team in organising the celebrations for the 1916 commemorations. He is right in what he said about statutory instruments etc. Regarding EU legislation, I have written to the chairman of the Houses of the Oireachtas Commission, asking that the House might have some research staff redeployed in order to allow us to debate European affairs and European directives in this House. I await the response of the chairman of the commission in that regard. I am sure that the Members of this House who sit on the commission will fully support our request.

I respect Senator Mullen's comments and I am sure he is not suggesting that Independents have a monopoly of wisdom in this House. Parties have carried out important scrutiny of legislation in the past and will continue to do so. It is not a monopoly situation where Independents are concerned.