Catherine Noone (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I join other Members in calling for a debate on local government reform. Change is very difficult, particularly when it means certain individuals essentially are out of a position and I refer in particular to the town councils. I also agree with Senator Landy's point that there is much to be digested in the report and, I am sure, many positives that must be highlighted and consequently, I would welcome a debate on it. I also join Senators Hayden and Conway with regard to their comments on the banking sector. It is unreasonable to expect the Minister for Finance to come into this House 15 minutes after the conclusion of the Order of Business on a given day to discuss this issue and it would be unhelpful. Members must come up with real solutions for those individuals who are enduring problems with their mortgages and who are highly distressed in many ways. Before having the Minister for Finance come into the House, the first step would be for representatives of the pillar banks in particular to appear in this Chamber in order that Members can scrutinise precisely what they are up to and how they are conducting their business. To date, it appears to be very much a case of them learning as they go along. While I understand this area is evolving, Members certainly should make use of this House in this regard. In advance of any appearance here by the Minister for Finance, Members should call on leaders of Bank of Ireland and AIB in particular to come in here and present truthful data as to what precisely is occurring on a daily basis in banks and how they are trying to assist ordinary individuals in difficult financial situations.