Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

-----on their women. Ms Fiona Coghlan captained the successful Irish women's rugby team. We all salute their efforts. It is a wonderful team and they did the country proud.

Senator Cullinane again called for a debate on public and private debt and mortgage arrears. We have had numerous debates here on the subject and I am sure that we will have more with the relevant Minister in attendance. The Government has directed banks to address the mortgage arrears problem and targets have been set that must be met. The Central Bank and the Government will ensure that they are met in order to address the important issue.

Senators Kelly, Mullins and others complimented the success of club teams from west of the River Shannon, St. Brigid's and St. Thomas's, on winning their respective All-Ireland trophies over the weekend.

Senators Kelly and Brennan raised the issue of the Bank of Ireland's remuneration for its CEO and his terms and conditions of employment. Those matters were decided in 2009. As part of his appointment, the previous Government approved his salary of ¤623,000 as an exemption to the Covered Institution Remuneration Oversight Committee. Since the Government came to office restrictions on remuneration levels at covered institutions have been tightened. No appointee may receive an aggregate all-inclusive remuneration, excluding pension contributions, of ¤500,000 per annum. The Government has been seen to act in that regard with the appointment of new CEOs in AIB and PTSB. It should also be noted that the State is a minority shareholder in Bank of Ireland at 15%.

Senator O'Sullivan raised the item of the Irish Catholic schools managers association's, as he stated, unprecedented intervention. I agree with him that it was an unprecedented intervention. I compliment the INTO and the trade union movement for playing a responsible role in the talks on Croke Park II.

Senator Landy referred to the new driving licence and the proposed centralised system. He sought clarity on same from the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport. I will try to discover the up-to-date position on the new driving licences.

Senator Paul Coghlan referred to the conservation of red deer which is an important item for Killarney and the country. We all believe in conservation and condemn the increase in poaching and night shooting of stags and deer.

Senator Mullins complimented everybody involved in the success of the 14 Irish winners at the Cheltenham race festival. Their success is a great advertisement for Horse Racing Ireland.

Senators Colm Burke, Keane and others referred to the Guthrie cards. Again, the matter was debated last week when it was raised by Senator Bacik. I am sure that the Minister for Health will facilitate a meeting with the consultants if they have sought same. It is an important issue so if we can do anything to arrange the meeting then we will do so. The matter has been raised here by Senators on a number of occasions.

Senator Martin Conway spoke about the positivity of the St. Patrick's Day parades throughout the world and stated The Gathering was working. Obviously, it is working in County Clare, with many tourists flocking to the Cliffs of Moher and many other destinations the length and breadth of the county. It is good to end on such a positive note. We will check with the Minister of State with responsibility for the Office of Public Works on the question of concerts in the Phoenix Park and the increased health and safety measures that will be taken in that regard.