Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

Senator Darragh O'Brien raised the question on Bahrain which he raised yesterday. Senator Bacik outlined that the Tánaiste is fully aware of it and the Taoiseach is aware of the situation also.

Senator O'Brien called for a debate on funding and bank debt. I clarified in the House that the Government's position is that we are looking for restructuring and the alleviation of bank debt. That is clear and the Taoiseach has made his point clear in that matter also.

Senator Bacik raised the question on Syria which was raised here yesterday. We all would agree that the UN must take more forceful action when dealing with this issue. It is dreadful to see such atrocities taking place and standing idly by and allowing this to happen. More pressure must be put on the likes of Russia and China to comply with UN regulations and to support the UN in its efforts to solve this problem.

Senator Bacik also raised the question of Yeats day, as did Senators Norris and the Sligo Senators. I am sure that everybody in the House would welcome this and congratulate Senator O'Keeffe on initiating it. I congratulate Senator Norris on his continuing support of Bloomsday, which is also such a successful event in the calendar.