Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Hayden raised the issue of unscrupulous moneylenders, which was also raised by Senators MacSharry, Noone, Sheahan, Paul Coghlan and other Senators. It is a very serious situation. As Senator Hayden mentioned, there is a need for a public awareness campaign to highlight the merits of the credit union movement which would prevent people from going to these moneylenders. Senator MacSharry mentioned that legal moneylenders are charging exorbitant rates. That is an issue I raised when I was on the other side of the House and I agree totally with him that there is a need for legislation to bring down significantly the rates charged by these so-called legal moneylenders. I concur totally with Senator Hayden's remarks that a public awareness campaign should be undertaken and I will certainly approach the relevant Minister in that regard.

Senator Barrett raised the question of the higher level mathematics paper. We heard various comments in regard to that paper yesterday. Teacher training up to international standards is paramount. The Minister for Education and Skills spoke in the House on training standards but we can invite back the Minister of State at the Department of Education and Skills, Deputy Sherlock. He will be in the House to discuss the ASEAN-EU year of science, technology and innovation, and perhaps it could be raised in that debate. If not, we can raise the matter in a specific debate on teacher training.

Senator Mullins and other Senators referred to Syria. Ireland has expressed, on a number of occasions, its absolute horror and revulsion at the recent course of events in Syria and at the escalating conflict which the UN estimates has claimed more than 10,000 lives in the past 15 months. On behalf of the Government and the people of Ireland, the Tánaiste has condemned the appalling massacre in Houla on 25 and 26 May which resulted in the brutal murder of more than 100 people, including 49 children. The Government has also condemned the mass killing of a reported 78 people in the village of al-Qabeer on 6 June, allegedly committed by Assad affiliated militias. The atrocities provided further unwelcome testimony of the Syrian regime's utter disdain for human life and the welfare of its people. Indeed, the use of children in war is a despicable practice about which we have spoken in this House on several occasions. I can assure the House that the Government has made, and continues to make, representations in regard to this dreadful situation which we are witnessing in Syria and fully supports the UN in its efforts. Kofi Annan has made efforts but the Government will continue to press for a solution to this dreadful problem.

Senator Cullinane called for a debate on poverty, which we certainly can have. We have debated the Social Welfare and Pensions Bill 2012 and the Minister for Finance will come to the House. I can certainly try to arrange a debate on that subject, which I promised him last week.

Senator Moran rightly highlighted the question of student grants. The system is now centralised, which will ensure the delays of the past can be avoided. The Senator also raised the draft report on symphysiotomy, which has been published, and encouraged people to come forward in this regard.

Senator Healy Eames's points on Syria and the ESRI report have been dealt with by me.

Senator Mullen referred to the banning of the alcohol-based sponsorship of sport and other matters. We will try to find out the timeframe of the Government in that regard.

I agree with the Cathaoirleach that the matter raised by Senator Higgins could and should be raised as part of the Adjournment debate, during which the Senator will get a more specific answer.

Senator Noone referred to moneylenders and debt collectors. I will raise the matter with the Minister for Justice and Equality. He will be present in the House today and, I can assure the House, on a number of other occasions over the coming weeks.

I met the leaders today and gave them a draft of the business proposed for the next three to four weeks. Spokespersons, in particular, will have an idea as to what we will be debating and an opportunity to prepare for the debates.

Senator Moloney referred to diesel laundering. Subversives, in particular, were formerly involved in this activity but they are still involved. Fuel laundering is causing major problems for many motorists and the tax revenue of the Government has decreased as a result. The cleaning up of sludge, etc., is also causing grave concern among many communities throughout the country. The Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government and local authorities must pay for cleaning up.

Senator Sheahan stated the targets of pillar banks in regard to loans for small businesses are not being met. This is a matter of grave concern. In the next couple of weeks, we will be dealing in the House with the micro-finance Bill and the Credit Guarantee Bill. The Minister for Finance will be present in the House on 3 July. There will be ample opportunity for the Senator to raise these specific and very important points when the Bills are being discussed and when the Minister is present in July.

Senator Coghlan referred to moneylenders and banking. As I stated, the Minister for Finance will be in the House for a general debate on the economy on 3 July. If necessary, we can have a specific debate on banking also.

Senator Keane referred to the role of auditors. The bank auditors failed the taxpayers; there is no question about that. We will have to find out from the relevant Minister whether our legislation is robust enough. I assure the Senator I will raise this with the Minister.