Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Senator on the revelations this morning that a journalist, Mr. Ed Moloney, provided. Any of us who heard the interview on "Morning Ireland" would have listened with real horror as he outlined very clearly the extent of knowledge that was not referred to in the de Silva report, which suggested that knowledge had come much later to the British authorities. There are very serious concerns which confirm the comments of the Tánaiste in the Dáil last night that the Government will continue to press for a public inquiry. As I noted in response to Senator Ó Murchú yesterday on the Order of Business, that remains the position of the Irish Government and that position is supported on a cross-party basis. It is also being pushed by the family of Pat Finucane and the need has been confirmed.

With regard to a banking debate, yesterday other colleagues sought such a debate in the new year. It would be worth having, particularly in the context of today's summit in Brussels. In January we might consider the issue, and there were a number of concerns raised yesterday. In particular, the former Director of Corporate Enforcement, Mr. Paul Appleby, made comments about the lack of prosecution of bankers in Ireland and the need to consider white collar crime issues. The matter should be examined.

We will discuss the Social Welfare Bill over three days next week and the Leader has given a good deal of time to it, as it requires. Many of us are very concerned about the cut in the respite care grant and the impact that will have on significant numbers of carers. What is required and has been sought by the Carers Association is an interdepartmental review of the provision of respite care. Having spoken to carers I know, for many the concern is not so much the grant but rather the provision of services in the area by the HSE. The grant comes from the Department of Social Protection but the service provision by the HSE can be very patchy across different areas, which can be a bigger problem in practice for many carers seeking to have the much-needed respite they deserve. In the new year we should consider a detailed survey of the reality of respite care provision across the country, examining where gaps are and how they can be addressed.