Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

This issue arose in the latest review. It is not a new deal. Senator Colm Burke commented on the budget and the need to be constructive in dealing rationally with it. That is an important point and I hope colleagues will remember it next week. Senator Ó Clochartaigh seconded the Sinn Féin amendment, which cannot be agreed. Senator O'Keeffe reminded us of a positive story in the Western Development Commission's support for entrepreneurs, and I commend the entrepreneurs who have been supported by the commission and who are doing so much for job creation. Senator Ó Domhnaill asked the current position of the banking inquiry and I will seek the answer to that. Senator Moran welcomed the literacy and numeracy strategy.

Senator Ó Murchú spoke about the Finucane family and the developments in the Pat Finucane case. There is cross-party agreement on the matter and I raised it in the House yesterday. We welcome the publication today of the independent review by Sir Desmond de Silva, QC, and there is all-party support for the family's request for a full public inquiry into the murder of Mr. Pat Finucane. I know the Taoiseach and Tánaiste have met the Finucane family on a number of occasions to hear concerns first-hand and reaffirm the long-standing position of the Irish Government on the Finucane case, including its continued support for the family. Those concerns have been raised with the British Government on a number of occasions. It is at least one issue we are ad idem. I support the Senator in the issue.

Senator Wilson asked about the Education and Training Boards Bill. I believe it will be in the new year but I have not been told when. Senator Crown spoke about the issue of costs in the pharmaceutical industry, raising some very sensible points about VAT. The Senator should convey them to the Minister for Health. Senator Conway mentioned World Human Rights Week and the capacity legislation, which we will all welcome when it comes before the House. We have had extensive hearings in the justice committee on the heads of the Bill. The Senator also called for human rights to be a key priority in Ireland's Presidency of the EU. We would support that and I note that the Minister of State, Deputy Joe Costello, has indicated that human rights in Syria will be a key concern for Irish Presidency of the EU, which is welcome.