Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

We have had three debates on the issue of mortgage arrears with the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, and the Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes. We will have another opportunity this afternoon to discuss the matter when we debate Senator Sean D. Barrett's Bill. I agree that we should have a further debate on the issue which I will try to arrange. As many Senators have stated, the leadership structures in the banking sector must be changed. I am not aware if proposals on the issue of mortgage arrears have been submitted to the Central Bank. However, as Senator Paul Coghlan mentioned, workable solutions are required. There is no doubt that the banks need to cop themselves on and change their culture drastically in order to meet the needs of small businesses and individuals in mortgage arrears. The Government will press them on the matter, as we need action sooner rather than later.

The vast majority of Members rightly raised the issue of St. Patrick's Institution. The findings of the report on what happened in the institution are shocking. The Inspector or Prisons, Mr. Justice Reilly, should be complimented on his report, as many Members said. He visited the prisons at night and when he was not expected. He acted above and beyond the call of duty in our interests and those of the public and should be complimented on his efforts. He was critical of some prison staff in terms of their interaction with prisoners. He also identified a culture of bullying that involved a minority of prison officers.

He is also satisfied that a minority of other prison officers engage in bullying and intimidation of other prison officers and staff and refers to the potential to corrupt good prison officers. These are damning findings. I agree that a debate is needed on Judge Reilly's report on St. Patrick's Institution and the wider issue of prisons.

The Minister has acted quickly in this matter and new guidelines have already been introduced. Another matter which cannot be brushed aside is the actions of senior officials in the Department of Justice and Equality and the attitudes they have shown towards the Ombudsman for Children and, as we have heard over the years, many other individuals. This issue will have to be tackled and I am sure it is one on which the Minister will act. I was pleased to note the Ombudsman for Children's comment that the current Minister is the first Minister for Justice to listen to what she had to say about senior officials in the Department.

The report addresses a serious issue and must be acted on. The Government and Minister are treating it very seriously and I assure Senators that we will debate it at the earliest opportunity. Members should be given an opportunity to comment on this serious report, which was raised by the vast majority of speakers.

On the matter raised concerning the First Minister and Deputy First Minister of Northern Ireland, I will renew inquiries in this regard. Representatives of the Orange Order appeared before us when they were supposed to come. Certain protocols are involved in such matters and the Seanad cannot issue invitations until we know the individuals in question are willing to come before us. I will raise these matters again to reactivate the issue.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh asked that the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources come before the House to discuss energy issues. I will make the necessary arrangements.

Senator Clune asked that local authorities and the Office of Public Works liaise with the insurance industry on flooding and inform it of any improvements in this regard. The Minister of State, Deputy Brian Hayes, gave an undertaking that this would be done and I do not have any reason to believe otherwise.

Senator Mullins asked that the introduction of drug testing for drivers be expedited by the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar. I will inquire from the Minister as to the position in this regard.

Requests were made for a debate on mortgage arrears and banking. We have had three debates on banking issues and, as Senator Walsh noted, we will also have a comprehensive debate on the Personal Insolvency Bill when it comes before the House. The Senator also asked that the Minister for Public Enterprise and Reform, Deputy Brendan Howlin, come before the House. Senators will have an opportunity to raise issues with the Minister when he comes to the House on Thursday, 8 November, to take part in the pre-budget process.

The issue of local government was raised. As I stated yesterday, the Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will come before the House. Legislation must be introduced to implement the announcements made yesterday. The Minister indicated he is prepared to come to the Seanad to debate his report. Senator Diarmuid Wilson referred to a democratic deficit. The Manchester metropolitan area, with a population of almost 3 million, has approximately 500 councillors. Under the new system of local government published yesterday, the number of councillors will be reduced from more than 1,600 to 950. For a country of this size, we will have-----