Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

In the meantime, the Government is continuing to manage its shareholding in a responsible manner to protect the State's interests and with the aim of maximising the value of that shareholding. That is the position of the Government on the matter.

Senators Hayden and Leyden referred to the protection of life during pregnancy legislation. I am sure we will have another debate on that matter in the new year.

Senators Hayden and Barrett welcomed the Taoiseach's efforts to get representatives from the ECB to attend the banking inquiry. The Taoiseach has indicated that he will renew his efforts in this regard in the coming weeks.

Senator Hayden also requested a debate on solidarity among European nations and on the EU in general. I am sure the Minister of State at the Department of the Taoiseach, Deputy Dara Murphy, would be willing to come before the House to debate that issue. The European Commission's work programme has become available in the past week. I have put together a sub-committee to choose items from that programme for debate in the Seanad on a regular basis throughout next year.

Senator O'Donovan requested that the Minister for Justice and Equality, Deputy Fitzgerald, come before the House and provide it with a progress report on the reform of her Department and on plans to reform An Garda Síochána. I am sure the Minister would be quite willing to come here to debate those matters with us.

Senator Barrett referred to the vote at the end of Second Stage of the Water Services Bill. As I informed Senator Byrne, I am of the view that it is very unfair to target Members as to the way they voted. Targeting individual Members will not help anyone's cause.