Ivana Bacik (Independent)

Many speakers referred to the Government's information campaign. Clearly, there is an obligation on the Government to inform the public about the text of the treaty in a neutral manner. That is what is being done and the Government is committed to sending copies of the treaty to every household, which is very important. As we know, the Referendum Commission is also engaged in an information campaign.

I have gone on the record as saying that I hope ICTU will support a "Yes" vote or will not campaign for a "No" vote. I agree with Senator White it is patently in the interests of trade union members that the treaty is passed for job retention and creation. Large numbers of jobs have been created through foreign direct investment, as she pointed out, including 1,000 jobs in PayPal, 500 in Apple Computers, 500 in Eli Lilly in Cork and 500 in Mylan in north Dublin. There was a $130 million investment by Microsoft, 280 jobs were created in Galway and Kildare by HP and 175 jobs were created by Abbott Pharmaceuticals in Sligo. A large number of job announcements in recent months are a direct result of our continued involvement in Europe and the eurozone. That is why the referendum is so important.

A number of Senators referred to growth. We are all in agreement on the need for a commitment to a growth agenda within the terms of the fiscal compact. Ireland was at the forefront of the countries seeking to prioritise growth in the treaty. It is on the first page of the treaty, where there is a reference to ensuring growth and taking growth enhancing initiatives. Senator Ó Clochartaigh referred to the position taken by SIPTU on the treaty. On Monday I spoke on Second Stage about that and said I thought it was an unhelpful position for it to take. I understand it has imposed a condition of an EU package of €10 billion which is not within the power of any national Government to deliver on. I cannot speak for the SIPTU position. Later today we will hear what position ICTU has taken. Public sector and teaching unions have taken a decision not to press for a vote for or against the treaty.

A number of Senators referred to the Institute of Directors report on the appointment of directors to State boards. The issue was raised by Senators Feargal Quinn and Susan O'Keeffe. I would be very willing to ask the Leader for a debate on that. Some of the issues raised in the report were important and deserve a debate.

Senator Burke sought a debate on absenteeism in the health service. We can consider facilitating a debate on that.

Senator Quinn referred to defibrillators, which are important. Incidents occur regularly which highlight the need for defibrillators.

Senator Landy referred to the availability of credit for small businesses, which was raised in a Labour Party motion in the House recently. He called on the Minister of State, Deputy John Perry, to bring the two lead banks to the audiovisual room for a question and answer session with Members of both Houses. That would be very helpful and I am willing to assist the Senator in seeking to do that. We have had banking representatives in before committees but it would be very useful to have a more general forum where banking representatives could meet Members of both Houses. We should seek to progress that.

Senator MacSharry called for a debate on repossessions and the issue of those dealing with mortgage arrears. I will follow the Leader's example in not answering colleagues who are not present. Senator Paul Coghlan raised the issue of the contribution that out-of-town stores should make to in-town regeneration, which is an important issue we might debate.

Senator Norris raised the issue of absenteeism in the House. Senator Moran pointed out that quite a number of Senators who may not be present in the Chamber are, of course, engaged on Oireachtas business or engaged on business elsewhere in Leinster House. We are sitting five days this week and on Monday of next week. Many of us are here in the Chamber on what feels like a-----