Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator MacSharry raised the insolvency guidelines. The guidelines have not yet been published and I am not one who comments on speculation. I can assure the Senator that no woman will be forced out of the work force and the guidelines will retain flexibility to ensure that common sense applies. That is what will happen in all such guidelines.

Senator Bacik called for a debate on the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality report on penal reform. We will certainly try to get the Minister here to discuss that matter.

Senators van Turnhout, Ó Clochartaigh and Michael Mullins raised direct provision and called for an independent complaints commission in that regard. The matter of direct provision has been raised, as has been mentioned, by a number of Senators on the Adjournment in the House on several occasions, but I will endeavour to have a debate on it.

Senator Norris proposed the holding of a sitting of the Seanad in Athlone or elsewhere. I will certainly consider that matter and bring it to the attention of the Committee on Procedure and Privileges for consideration.

Senator Landy sought clarity on the loss of ¤17 million by credit unions which had investments with IBRC. I am surprised that these credit unions did not withdraw the money.