Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Denis Landy asked about PPS numbers ending with the letter "W". I agree with him that there should be an awareness campaign in that regard. I am sure he will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister, as I will.

In reply to Senator John Crown, we are aware of the result of the appeals on behalf of the Bahraini doctors and it is regrettable that they have not been successful.

As he mentioned, we all signed an all-party motion on this issue. That these doctors have found themselves imprisoned, merely for performing their duties, is absolutely appalling. I will ask the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Deputy Eamon Gilmore, whether there is anything further the Government can do to assist them.

I will raise the issue of expenditure on public relations services in the public service with the Minister. Members might have an opportunity to deal with it on Committee Stage of the Health Service Executive (Governance) Bill 2012.

Senator Catherine Noone called for representatives of the banks to appear before the House to answer questions on the mortgage arrears crisis. I understand they have attended meetings of the relevant committee on several occasions. We should avoid any duplication in the business of the House by bringing them before us as well. The committee is the correct forum for that engagement.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames referred to negotiations in the eurozone regarding a deal on bank debt. We all welcome the statement by the President of the Commission, Mr. Barroso, in that regard and I hope we will have good news on this front in the near future. I also note the Senator's comments in regard to the proposed reform of the junior certificate cycle.