Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

-----and the Minister of State with responsibility for small business.

Senator Daly raised the issue of flights. I have outlined the Government's position on Aer Lingus.

Senator Burke referred to the issue of employing consultants. We might discuss it in the context of a fuller debate on the mortgage crisis and banking policy.

Senator Cullinane mentioned the centenary of the 1913 Lock-out. Like all Senators, I am well aware of that centenary. Inviting a senior trade union leader to address the House is a great idea. Perhaps Senator Cullinane - I believe another Senator also raised the issue - should write to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges, CPP, to ask for a specific consideration. The CPP considers requests from every Senator who wishes to invite someone to address the House. Quite a number of guest speakers have visited the House during this term. In the context of the centenary, trying to do something along these lines might be worthwhile. Recently, the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Varadkar, debated the centenary issue specifically in the House.

Senator Keane discussed the issue of a woman pope. I agree that we might see one some day. I have a full briefing for the Senator on development levies. Her issue concerned Wicklow County Council and households charged development contributions. Some legal action is pending in that regard, but I can share the briefing with the Senator. Some letters were issued to home owners in Wicklow regarding breaches of planning permission as a result of the non-payment of development contributions, but a separate legal action has been taken against the original developer seeking payment of the full amount of development contributions outstanding of more than ¤60,000. That matter will be before the Circuit Court later this month.

Senator Leyden discussed Dr. McAleese's report.

We will have a debate on it and that was promised by the Leader.

We all appreciated the comment by Senator Leyden that even in his memory no Pope has resigned.

Senator Conway raised the matter of the need for a banking inquiry in light of the excellent investigative television programme on Irish Nationwide last night. We could have a debate on it although a banking inquiry is a somewhat different issue. It might be worth inviting the Minister, Deputy Howlin, to come to the House to speak to us about how he proposes to set up that inquiry, which I know he is anxious to have established.

Senator Ó Murchú raised the matter of inviting a senior trade union figure to address the House. I have said that is a matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges and it would be a good idea to put it before that committee. The Senator referred to the reopening of the Irish Embassy at the Vatican, which another Member raised. High level diplomacy between the Secretary General of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Vatican is ongoing and I understand that is going particularly well.

Senator Mullins referred to the economic situation and welcomed the deal last week on foot of the introduction of the emergency legislation. Everyone has welcomed the change in the terms on the promissory notes. It is a significant improvement in our economic situation, perhaps reflected in Standard & Poor's announcement today.

Senator Wilson referring to the opinion polls, which were taken before the deal on the promissory notes, as he is aware.