Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Senator Paul Coghlan also raised the issue of the comments of the Governor of the Central Bank. I believe it would be helpful to have a debate. There is a debate scheduled for 28 March on housing and the fallout from the Governor's comments about buy-to-let mortgages in particular is one we might discuss at that time.

Senator Leyden raised the issue of the household charge. Again, that can be dealt with in the debate on 28 March. I point out there is currently a case before the courts on the issue of legislation in the Irish language.

Senator Barrett raised the issue of the promissory notes and yesterday's finance committee. We all accept this was a particularly expensive means by which to finance Anglo Irish Bank and Irish Nationwide. The present Government was left with this situation and, as Senator Barrett said, we all very much support the ongoing negotiations to try to ensure change to the current obligation to pay the €3.1 billion by the end of March.

Senator Barrett also raised the issue of university rankings, as did other Senators. As with the ratings agencies, there is a lot of controversy about how the rankings are carried out, and Senator Barrett pointed out there are other means of ranking according to citations and so on. Therefore, we approach university rankings with caution but, at the same time, all of us, particularly those of us involved in university education, are very sorry to see all our academic institutions dropping out of the top 100. I have made a note in regard to a specific debate on the university sector and higher education more generally, which would be helpful. Senator Keane also raised the issue of the rankings and referred to funding following performance. The RAE model in Britain has also been contentious. We can discuss how this can best be done but it is a difficult issue.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh raised the household charge and the issue of simultaneous translation of legislation into Irish, which has been discussed previously in the House. As I said, it is a matter before the High Court at present.

Senator Colm Burke raised the role of the Seanad in scrutinising EU legislation. The Leader has taken this up, as the Senator will know, and I accept we need to explore the issue. Senator Burke also raised the issue of third level colleges. With respect, I am not sure I agree with the Senator's point that law faculties are producing too many graduates and should adapt to the market, which is what I understood him to say. Universities cannot anticipate cycles in the market, nor should they. Those law students who are currently going through law degree programmes may find that by the time they graduate, particularly if they have done postgraduate or professional training, the market will have changed completely. Universities should not be so tied to the market, nor should university education.

Senator Quinn spoke of the need for a debate on tourism, a view I share. I have made a note of this and will look for the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, to come to the House to debate the issue. It is very heartening to see visitor numbers up. Senator Moran referred to the increase in visitors for St. Patrick's Day, which is very welcome. We also saw a rise in the number of tourists coming to Ireland last year.

Senator Moran also sought a debate on symphysiotomy. I have made a note of this and believe it would be a useful and valuable debate to have in this House, particularly as the debate is happening in the Dáil today. I agree with Senator Moran in her comments on this barbaric practice that was carried out on so many women in Irish hospitals.

Senator Conway spoke of the child with cerebral palsy. With respect, I agree with the Leader that this is a matter for the Adjournment. It is very serious matter and I am-----