Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

Ba mhaith liom aontú leis an Seanadóir Ó Clochartaigh i dtaobh an dualgais atá orainn an Ghaeilge a chur chun cinn anseo, go mórmhór i rith Seachtain na Gaeilge. Is mór an náire é nach bhfuil suim níos láidre ag an Rialtas seo inár dteanga dúchais a phlé agus a chur chun cinn.

I second the amendment proposed by Senator MacSharry on the IBRC loan book. I fully concur with Senator Hayden's comments in this regard. It is, as I stated last week, an abrogation of our duty, obligation and mandate as elected representatives to abandon the people we are supposed to represent, many of whom are in a highly vulnerable position. I refer specifically to mortgage holders, some of whom are in arrears and experiencing great difficulty meeting their repayments and keeping a roof over their heads. It is appalling that the Government has suggested deferring addressing this matter until 2015. A number of mortgage books could be sold in the meantime, which would place tens of thousands of people at risk of losing their homes. I remember the House sitting through the night in recent years to rescue the banking system. Could we not do the same for citizens who have suffered as a consequence of the lack of prudential banking and the irresponsibility shown by the banks, the Department of Finance and our regulatory authorities?

I support the call for a debate on Ukraine, which is a serious issue with many ramifications and implications. I would like Europe to follow the approach taken by Chancellor Merkel who has engaged directly with the Russian President to resolve the matter amicably through a de-escalation of the situation. The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs appeared before the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade yesterday. He should come before the House for a full debate on this important European topic.