Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I hope we can do our job in a professional manner.

In regard to motion No. 12, I assure Senators that the matter is before the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. We can discuss the motion in the first week of the new year. Senator Noone and others spoke correctly about the need to monitor the Personal Insolvency Bill 2012 in order to plug any loopholes that may arise. Senator Cullinane spoke about the new starting salaries for nurses. I am not aware of the case that he mentioned but I understand the salary for young nurses starting this year will be ¤22,000.

Senator Keane and others referred to yesterday's meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure and Reform on the role of directors of banks. It is clear there are differences of opinion in the House. We have had a number of debates on banking issues and I am sure there will be many more opportunities to raise issues pertaining to the directors of banks with the Minister for Finance.

Senator Leyden spoke about the business of the House. It was wonderful to see 60 Members in the House. It was the first occasion in quite some time that we have had full attendance for a debate on a Bill.

It was unfortunate that we had another very important Bill to deal with about two hours afterwards and the House was noticeably emptier for that debate.

Senator Terry Leyden also raised the issue of the release of prisoners for Christmas. As I stated yesterday, the same situation that obtained in previous years will obtain in that regard.

Senator Michael Mullins looks forward positively to 2013 and wishes God's blessing on the Irish Presidency of the European Union in the first six months of the year. We all look forward and wish the Government well in its endeavours in that regard.

Senator Paul Bradford asked about the public hearings with reference to the expert group. As far as I know, no request has been received from the committee by the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for the use of this Chamber. I think that committee is meeting today and I am sure that if the issue arises, it will be given consideration. However, there has been no request from the committee for the use of this Chamber.