Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Darragh O'Brien is right to draw attention to the growing mortgage arrears crisis. In fairness and in light of the remarks of the Secretary General of the Department of Finance, where he called for the banks to provide workable solutions and to show more forbearance, particularly for families suffering unemployment, we can now expect action. In addition, of course, the Central Bank has pointed out that the banks have done little or nothing in this regard. It is as though they are in denial about the scale of the problem. We should have a debate on this matter when that can be arranged but, in any event, we can expect action in light of those remarks.

I commend Judge Michael Reilly for his serious work in regard to St. Patrick's Institution. Slightly contrary to what Senator Leyden said, he did praise the great majority of officers and he made it clear it was only a small minority of officers who offended and who violated the human rights of the children in care there. Again, we commend Judge Reilly. Perhaps we could have a debate on this in due course.