Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I know they have no leaders.

Senator Conway wondered whether the Government is aware of the anger of the public, and I assure him it is fully aware of it. This was outlined particularly at the parliamentary party meeting at which many members expressed the same sentiments as have been expressed in the House in recent days. I also note Senator Conway's welcome for the treaty on intellectual property which will help those who are visually impaired.

Senator Hayden raised the code of conduct and mortgage arrears and this can be discussed this afternoon.

Senators Daly and Kelly spoke about ambulance services in rural Ireland. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister and see what proposals are in place to improve ambulance services.

Senator Coghlan rightly congratulated Major General Finn of the Army, who has been appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as head of mission and chief of staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. This is a wonderful honour for Major General Finn, our Defence Forces, his family and the country. We all wish him well and I am sure he will do an excellent job.

I note the comments of Senator Barrett on the Luas work and his calls for reassurance on the costs of the project and that it will come in on time and on budget. He also spoke about the price of drugs, as did Senator Quinn, in particular the difference between the price of generic drugs in Ireland and several other countries. Progress has been made on this matter and we have had a Bill on the price of drugs. I agree there is much more to be done in this regard.

Senator Kelly was one of a number of Senators who raised the issue of the banking inquiry. A Bill on the inquiries is proceeding at present in the Lower House. I have informed the Taoiseach that we will facilitate the passage of this Bill prior to the summer recess. It is very important that we deal with this significant legislation before the end of July.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh commented on the culture in the banks and I certainly agree with him in that regard. Senator Higgins and others referred to the taped conversations among bank officials in Anglo Irish Bank. I understand the tapes are with the appropriate body, the Garda Síochána and we hope that people will be brought to justice as quickly as possible. The public anger is palpable. There is a legal maxim "Justice delayed is justice denied." The sooner all those involved in these activities are brought to justice the better for everybody. If further legislation is required, I am sure the Government will take action on the matters that Senator Higgins raised.

Senator White welcomed the announced by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn on provisions for special needs pupils. The Minister for Education and Skills met with quite a number of representatives from families with special needs children.