Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

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 announcement 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.