Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

It is good to see Senator Norris back in the House and in his usual good form.

I congratulate Major General Michael Finn on his appointment as head of mission and chief of staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. This is not just a great honour for Major General Finn, it is also a great honour for the Defence Forces and the country. I wish him well.

I salute the superb acting talent and ability of Senator MacSharry. I am of the view, however, that he may have over-egged the pudding to some extent regarding the matter he raised. However, and in light of his ability, I accept that this comes naturally to him. I support what Senator Hayden stated. As the Leader will recall, yesterday he acceded to a request to hold a debate on mortgage arrears and the new code of conduct in due course. It is disturbing that almost 90,000 people's mortgage repayments are over 90 days in arrears and that 46,000 or 47,000 others are in trouble. As Senator Hayden stated, we need to digest the details relating to this matter in a proper fashion. I echo the calls for a debate but I do not believe it would be possible to engage in such a debate today. It would not be wise to hold a debate of this nature matter today. There is a need to allow people to absorb all the relevant information before they comment on the matter.

I would advise Senator Daly not to go down the road of referring to the Taoiseach or Ministers engaging in conversations with bankers. I would advise him to desist from making such comments. Those matters are in the past and he should leave them-----