Marc MacSharry (Fianna Fail)

We will not oppose the Order of Business.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister of State at the Department of Finance, Deputy Brian Hayes, to come to the House next week to outline the position in regard to the flooding in Cork, which is badly affected, and throughout the country, and ensure that funding under the minor works scheme is made available without delay to the areas in need. I commend the emergency services for their quick reaction throughout the night. As it appears the problems are set to continue, it is important that the Minister of State clarifies those issues.

I am concerned at the impact of the Ulster Bank crisis given that 60,000 people are facing into a second week without social welfare payments. Next week some 48,000 people will expect their children's allowance payments or child support payments. There is no certainty as to the end of the crisis. I ask the Leader to contact the Minister for Social and Family Affairs, Deputy Joan Burton, to impress on the bank the need to make alternative arrangements for people because it appears Ulster Bank does not know whether it is coming or going. The work was to be done by Monday morning, Wednesday, then the end of the week but, clearly, it will be the middle of next week before the problems are solved.

On another social welfare issue, I call for a debate on changes to the mortgage interest supplement, as it appears unemployed persons may have to wait up to 18 months before qualifying for State support. It is ridiculous in the extreme to expect people in distress to wait 18 months to qualify for payments they need to survive. As mentioned yesterday, this reminds me of the insolvency Bill which will be published tomorrow but will not be debated until October. While the bankers, bondholders and politicians are on holidays, those who cannot afford to go on holidays must wait until October while we assess the pros and cons of the legislation which is supposed to give some relief. According to reports, the banks will have a veto on all issues. I would prefer to see the people in command rather than the banks. Following on from yesterday, I appeal for a debate next week on the proposed insolvency legislation. It is simply unacceptable that we go on holidays without first considering the legislation to bring in the much-needed measures.