Rónán Mullen (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I too would like to express my support for the coffee morning. It is important that we stand in solidarity with the people of the Philippines and that we support charitable giving, which has been the hallmark of Irish life when people are in crisis. Let the message go out from here that a special effort needs to be made across the community for the people affected.

Last night I was in Newbridge at a meeting of the Newbridge credit union action group. I am glad to report there is major determination and a clear preference in the community to see a new credit union in the area. The people do not just want credit union services to be available from some other credit union; they want their own credit union. After what has happened, this House should support the people of Newbridge in that. There is much criticism to be made of the Government. I was very disappointed we did not get the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, into the House to address the issue. We did not get transparency from the Government last week when I raised questions regarding what would happen if the Naas merger proposal failed. Clearly, the Government knew what was coming down the tracks with regard to Permanent TSB, but there was no transparency. Let us at least send the message to the Government and the Central Bank that the people of Newbridge need to be assisted now in establishing own credit union again.

I would also like the Minister for Agriculture to come to the House to inform us of what he intends to do to support farmers and marts. Farmers are extremely concerned about TLT International going into receivership. I understand that from 25 to 35 marts have been affected, that debts of €7 million have been left and that some €3 million is owed to marts across the country. Some marts are down by €300,000 or €200,000. Let us not forget farmers who sold cattle directly to TLT International. Irish marts will be the last to be paid, after banks and Government bodies. If we are willing to bail out banks, we should consider the serious concerns many vulnerable people face as a result of this development. What can the Minister do? Is it possible that some kind of rescue package can be put in place to assist those most severely affected?

I thank Senator Darragh O'Brien for ensuring all Fianna Fáil Members were here to vote on our motion on the pylons. This was an important motion and it is a shame that the amendment was passed by just one vote. I am grateful to the two members of Sinn Féin who were here and grateful to the three Labour Party Senators who abstained.