Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I will also speak to the Leader about arranging a specific debate on the issue. Statements on housing are scheduled to be taken on Wednesday, 28 March, following requests from Members on both sides of the House. Clearly, that is the obvious debate in which to raise the issue of mortgage arrears.

Another issue raised by Members concerns the repayment of the promissory notes in the context of Commissioner Olli Rehn's comments which were in Latin. Senator David Norris commented on the use of Latin, while Senator Mary White referred to its use in Nancy Pelosi's speech last night. There has been a great deal of Latin spoken in the House this morning.

Senators David Norris, David Cullinane and Rónán Mullen raised the matter of the repayment of the promissory notes and Commissioner Rehn's comments which were not helpful, as he is not the person who makes the decision, as everybody is aware. The matter is being negotiated with the troika and the negotiations are ongoing, as the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, said. The Government was landed with a very expensive method of financing both Anglo Irish Bank and the Irish Nationwide Building Society via these promissory notes as a result of the disastrous banking policies of the previous Government. The Government continues to work with the troika to explore possible ways to renegotiate or re-engineer the promissory notes to find a less expensive solution. A number of aspects are being examined, for example, replacing them with financial instruments with longer maturity periods. A joint paper is due to be published with the troika covering the options open to the Government. This process is ongoing and the Taoiseach and the Minister for Finance have said it will be lengthy. It is not something that will be resolved this month, nor is it expected to be.

Another issue raised by a number of Senators is that of lobbying. The proposals to regulate lobbying have been published toda and include a two year lobbying ban for former politicians. I agree it would be helpful to debate the proposals in the House. This matter was raised by Senators Rónán Mullen, John Crown, Martin Conway and Feargal Quinn. I will speak to the Leader about arranging such a debate.

Senator Sean Barrett raised the issue of the location of the Fry Model Railway Museum at Malahide Castle. I was not aware it was to be moved to BusÁras. The Senator is right that the matter should be raised with the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar. It might also be worthwhile raising it as a matter on the Adjournment in order that the Minister can come to the House and provide a written response on why it is to be moved to BusÁras. I am not aware of the context for that decision and share the Senator's sentiments on it.

Senator Jimmy Harte has rightly expressed sympathy, as we all do, for the families who have suffered the appalling deaths of their children in the Swiss tunnel. They were Belgian schoolchildren who were returning home from a school skiing trip when this appalling crash occurred. As the Senator said, it puts other issues in perspective. The Senator also asked that the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Phil Hogan, be invited to the House to address the legality of the household charge. As I said, there will be statements on housing two weeks hence, which would be the appropriate time to raise the matter.

Senator Terry Leyden sought an early debate on the situation in the Middle East and Gaza. I commend the Senator for his work on the issue and as chairman of the Friends of Palestine group in the Houses, which I support. He fairly commended the Tánaiste for his efforts in the matter.