Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I note that Senators Darragh O'Brien, Hayden and others raised the issue of mortgage arrears and the code of conduct on mortgage arrears. I understand that the code of conduct is a Central Bank draft and is still subject to consultation. I am not aware of when the code of conduct will be published but when it is published, I certainly will ask the Minister to come to the House in order that we can have a debate on the issue.

I note Senator O'Brien's points on special needs assistants and I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn.

Senators Bacik and Moran referred to the redress scheme for survivors of the Magdalen laundries, which is to be welcomed. I am sure we will have further discussion on that as soon as the proposals are announced, which I understand will happen today.

Senator Bacik also spoke about other issues that have been addressed by the Constitutional Convention. Perhaps we could find time in September to have a debate and discuss the issues on which decisions have been made by the Constitutional Convention to date. Perhaps we could invite the chairman of the convention to update us on its work in September. I will seek to do that.

I note Senator Barrett’s points on the Seanad referendum Bill. I am sure he will make those points strongly on the Bill itself when it is discussed in the House.

Senator Conway spoke about reductions in the budgets of various offices and the need for adequate resources to combat white collar crime in particular. I will bring the matter to the attention of the relevant Ministers. The Minister for Justice and Equality will come to the House to deal with the Courts Bill and that could provide an opportunity for Members to raise the points with him that they have raised on the Order of Business.

Senator MacSharry called for the full rigours of the law to apply to people who broke the law, especially in regard to alleged bank fraud. We all hope the full rigours of the law will and must apply to all involved in breaking the law in any area. I reject the suggestion calling on the Taoiseach to put pressure on the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, and the Garda Commissioner. I do not think it would be a matter for him to interfere with the DPP in the execution of her duties.

Senator Landy referred to licensed moneylenders charging exorbitant rates and the need for tighter controls in that regard. The Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill has come before the House and more debate is required on it. The matter is one that should be raised in the context of the Bill.

Senator Crown referred to a number of issues. He called on the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, to investigate the make-up of the consultative forum that has been announced on private health insurance and called for the issue to be examined by the Competition Authority. He also spoke about Magdalen laundries. I will bring those matters to the attention of the Minister.

All I can say in response to Senator Cullinane is that we will have ample time to discuss the Bill to allow for a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad. We will welcome his comments at that time. He and other Sinn Féin Members, as every Member of the House, will have an opportunity to speak on the Bill.

Senator Hayden raised the code of conduct on mortgage arrears, a matter which I have addressed. I also note her comments on difficulties for persons seeking housing. We have the Housing (Amendment) Bill but I do not know whether it is appropriate to discuss it with the Minister of State with responsibility for housing. The matter might be more appropriate to the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Burton. I will bring the matter to her attention.

Senator Daly referred to immigration reform in the United States. The Government has lobbied very strongly in that regard and I hope a positive result will emerge from such lobbying by the Government and other sources.

Senator Michael D’Arcy spoke about the new code of conduct for mortgage arrears. He said that penalties should apply to people who break the code following its introduction. I hope we will have an opportunity to discuss the code when it is published.

I will accept Senator Quinn’s amendment to the Order of Business on the publication of the Food Provenance Bill. I agree that there has been much foot-dragging on the matter of organ donations. I will try to find out the up-to-date position and report back to him.

Senators Higgins and Paul Coghlan gave their opinions on whether we should have a banking inquiry and said there is a need to expedite prosecutions. I am sure that would be the wish of all Members of the House. Senator Ó Murchú spoke about the Bill for a referendum on the abolition of the Seanad and the need for a banking inquiry.

Senator Mullins called for a criminal inquiry on the Anglo Irish Bank tapes. I understand the tapes are with the Garda for a number of years and it is a matter for it to address. I agree with the comments of the Irish Postmasters Union on prize bonds. It is not right for their purchase without identification to be restricted to €25. It should be increased to €100. I will bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Finance, as has been requested by the Irish Postmasters Union.

Senator Mullen made points about the tapes and called for a banking inquiry and a criminal inquiry. Senator Gilroy referred to the need to restore public confidence. Senator Colm Burke mentioned a number of Bills he has on the agenda and called for an update on the two Bills he has published.

Senator Moran raised the Walsh report on symphysiotomy, a matter she has raised on a number of occasions. I understand the Minister will bring proposals to Cabinet in early course on the matter. I am sure that will be welcomed by Senator Moran and everyone in the House who has raised the issue of symphysiotomy.

I just heard on the 10 o’clock news that our friend and colleague, Senator Norris, has gone public on the fact that he has been diagnosed with cancer. I extend good wishes to our colleague on my behalf and on behalf of the House.