Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I believe that to do that An Post is seeking €5 on every €100 paid. However, there are many mechanisms through which it can be paid, including to the local authority up to 31 March.

The issue of special advisers was raised by the Senator. I do not think any special adviser should be paid more than the salary of a TD.

Senator Bacik and many others raised the issue of the Mahon report. It would be premature to comment on it. There is a need for a time of reflection on the document we all received this morning. Perhaps, at a later stage, as requested, we can have a debate on the report.

Senators Mary Ann O'Brien and Quinn raised the question of hoteliers being forced to pay copyright for their guests. That is ludicrous and cannot go ahead. We need to be competitive and anything that impedes that competitiveness should be stopped. It is a matter that I am sure the Minister, Deputy Varadkar, will take into consideration when I draw it to his attention.

Senator O'Brien also raised the question of a single web portal for research and development funding. That is an excellent suggestion and should be worked on. We have been speaking about one-stop shops for business and so on. That is absolutely necessary where research and development funding is concerned.

Senator Moloney and others raised the issue of AIB. I agree with the sentiments of many Senators that the requirement to have €2,500 in a personal account is farcical and disgraceful.

As Senator Paul Coghlan said, the State has invested €21 billion in AIB. It is important that the bank is run on a sustainable basis to yield a return to the taxpayer but there are proper ways of doing business. I have been informed that 40% of the personal account customers will still qualify for free banking in AIB. The qualifying people include student accounts, graduate accounts, and advantage customers over 60. I agree that the requirement to have €2,500 in a personal account should be reversed.

Senator Norris asked if No. 17, Privacy Bill 2010, will be published? I agree that it should be published.