Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I ask the Leader for an early debate with the Minister for Finance on the sell-off of the IBRC loan book and also, perhaps, others that may be pending. The Minister has been sure-footed but on this issue he has completely missed the point and, in my opinion, has abandoned those hard-pressed mortgagors who need support. We were all elected to support citizens who are in difficulty, regardless of those difficulties. I would like to think the Minister will address the issue to ensure it is not left to the discretion of the banks as to whether mortgage holders will be treated fairly and properly in accordance with the code of practice.

I wish to make a comment on President Higgins' visit to the UK and, in particular, his meeting with the British Prime Minister, Mr. David Cameron, today. The President has a long tradition of adherence to and championing of human rights issues. I hope that today he will avail of the opportunity privately with the British Prime Minister to raise the issue of the victims of the Troubles, particularly those killed in the Dublin and Monaghan bombings, in Belturbet and various other atrocities that occurred here which involved British security forces and which, in all probability, involved people in high political office who were aware, if not of the specifics of these atrocities, of the general approach by the security forces in these matters. There is also the issue of, say, Pat Finucane and the agreement between the two sovereign states for a public inquiry into his murder, which everyone accepts involved collusion at a high level. The British Government has failed to meet its commitment in that regard. If we are to have good relations with our neighbouring island, I believe the President should use the opportunity to raise the issue. It is good to see progression in that area. It must be based on a solid foundation and mutual respect. Issues of the past and the legacies of these issues must be addressed and dealt with once and for all, and that includes partition.