David Cullinane (Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I support the proposal to amend the Order of Business. It is a scandal that we have not had a debate in the House on the banking situation. Everywhere in the country, people are talking about the Anglo Irish Bank tapes and bankers and they want justice. They hear the Government talk about an Oireachtas inquiry and they want that to happen as soon as possible. What they really want, however, is a full criminal investigation which leads to people being brought before the courts. There are many other issues which must be discussed as well as a criminal investigation, which will obviously have to take its course. There are many issues with banking that we still need to tease out and discuss. Everybody except the Members of the Seanad and Dáil is being given the opportunity to talk about it. We should have the opportunity too.

I join Senator Leyden in commending the Joint Committee on European Union Affairs and the youngest Member of the Oireachtas, Senator Kathryn Reilly, on the publication of Guaranteeing our Future, a report on youth unemployment. The Seanad is often criticised for its role, but here is an example of the youngest Member using her time in the House to hold consultation meetings with youth organisations and to bring forward through the committee a report on a very important issue affecting people in the State. There was a very good attendance by Oireachtas members in the media. It is an example of how Senators can use the Chamber and committees effectively to deal with important, relevant issues. Importantly, the document is short and simple and makes clear recommendations underpinned by genuine consultation with affected people, including young unemployed people and the organisations that support them. In light of what is happening in Europe and discussions on the youth guarantee, towards which the Government appears to be moving, I call for a debate with the relevant Minister in the wake of those discussions and the publication of the joint committee's important report.