Ivana Bacik (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Senator. I welcome the announcements made at a press conference yesterday. The Government announced the progress that it has made after two years in office. I ask the Leader to invite Ministers to attend debates here on a regular basis. I know that other Senators sought the same earlier in the week when I was Deputy Leader during the Order of Business. I know that the Leader is doing that. The Ministers could update us on progress that they make in their areas. I know that it has been done on a rolling basis but it might be worth initiating it again now that the Government has been two years in office.

I note that the priorities for the Government, as stated by the Taoiseach and Tánaiste yesterday, are job creation, reducing unemployment figures, dealing with another pressing issue of mortgage arrears and to exit the bailout by the end of the year. I know that Senator Hayden and others have raised the importance of dealing with mortgage arrears. I look forward to having further debates on the matter in the House.