Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

If the Minister cannot come and provide further clarification, the code of conduct is clear for everybody.

Senator Marc MacSharry asked about criminal investigations in regard to Anglo Irish Bank and other banks. Investigations are ongoing and no resources will be spared in bringing people to justice. The Taoiseach is on record in that regard and that would also be the wish of everybody in the country. Unfortunately, it takes time for the law to take its course and people are frustrated by the amount of time it takes. We must remember, however, that three people have been charged and I am sure there will be quite a number of other charges relating to that period a number of years ago. The Garda must build a case and have evidence. There is no point in bringing something to court without the proper evidence. What would people have to say if a case was to collapse because of a lack of evidence? The situation is frustrating for the public, but the Garda and the Director of Public Prosecutions must be afforded time to have cases in order.

Senator Mullen asked about the Protection of Life During Pregnancy Bill. As I have stated on several occasions I will not comment on that Bill. The House will have plenty of time to discuss that Bill on Second Stage next Thursday. Senator Ned O'Sullivan also asked about the Bill. I note his points about the amount of offensive mail which we are all receiving and which is despicable. I note his points about mobile phone technology and the lack of coverage. I will raise the matter with the Minister and we may have a debate in the future. Senator Crown spoke about skin cancer and that the country has only 30 dermatologists. I refer to his comments on the special delivery unit and the notice to patients and I will bring that matter to the attention of the Minister for Health. Senator Harte asked for a debate on rates and the fact that the property charges will help in that regard but that there is a need for an overall policy on rates. I understand that 80% of the property charge will go to local authorities. That is my information at the moment but I am not 100% certain. This will have certain consequences for the equalisation fund because only 20% will remain for a number of other counties outside of areas with strong rateable bases. That is a matter which I am sure will be discussed here with the Minister, Deputy Phil Hogan. Senator White and Senator Norris asked that asylum be granted to Edward Snowden. It should be noted that asylum applications are not generally accepted from persons resident or present in other countries as our refugee status discrimination process is based on applications for asylum being made within the Irish jurisdiction. Accordingly, asylum applications made at Irish embassies abroad are not accepted. That is the situation------