Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator MacSharry raised the question of mortgage arrears and insolvency arrangements. No doubt the Government understands the real pressure that many families are under in this regard and it is doing everything possible as the recovery deepens so that nobody is left behind. Each situation is different and needs an individual solution to meet the needs of a particular family but it is clear that there is a solution for everybody. Our primary focus as a Government is on the solutions that keep families in their homes.

We are making headway, despite some of the facts that Senator MacSharry mentioned. The most recent figures show a significant improvement in arrears, particularly for family homes.The Central Bank's figures underline this progressive trend, with the number of family homes in arrears having fallen for the past five quarters. Figures from the Department of Finance for the six main banks show that the number of arrears in excess of 90 days has fallen by 17,500 accounts compared with the start of 2014. That is significant progress. In August 2014, 2,500 split mortgages were put in place by the six main banks, whereas there are now 20,500. That is progress but obviously there is a lot more to be done. During the same period, permanent restructures for family homes given by the six main banks increased from around 41,000 to 91,000. However, we do not see the same progress being made in the most difficult cases that are in arrears for possibly more than two years. Senator MacSharry mentioned one of those difficult cases. That is why the Government has examined the arrangements in place to ensure a viable route forward for anyone who wants to get help.

The Government has been working with the banks which have been meeting targets set for them by the Central Bank under the so-called mortgage arrears resolution targets, or MART, process. However, we must consider whether the current approach will really help to move forward those most difficult cases. It is not right for people to live under the extreme pressure of debts they cannot repay. Such pressure is damaging the mental health and family lives of individuals throughout the country, as Senator MacSharry said. It is a matter of serious concern to the Government.

We have been responsible for the most radical overhaul of how debt is managed in this State. We have rewritten laws on bankruptcy to move away from the old Victorian approach, which was draconian. We have also put in place a range of options for ordinary people who find they cannot pay their debts, including mortgages. The Government is doing its best and will continue to progress policies that will help people in difficulties. I can assure the Senator that that is being monitored constantly by the Government.

As regards health services, the Minister for Health, Deputy Varadkar, was in the House twice for wide-ranging debates on the health service plan, including once last week. If the Senator has a specific item in mind, I suggest it could be raised as a Commencement matter because we are unlikely to get the Minister for Health into the House again in the very near future, unless it concerns legislation. He has already dealt with the vast majority of matters that Members have raised.

Senator Bacik referred to tax, pay and the proposed forum which will bring the social partners together. This time, however, it will be in an open forum and not behind closed doors. That is an important part of it, which was emphasised by the Minister for Public Expenditure and Reform, Deputy Howlin. Senator Bacik also welcomed the proposals for two weeks' paid paternity leave, which issue has been raised in this House by many Members.

I note Senator Barrett's comments about rural transport. Several other Senators also joined Senator Barrett in wishing Ronnie Delany, our Olympic gold medalist, well in celebrating his 80th birthday. I am sure we would all like to be associated with those remarks. Senator Naughton stressed the importance of local festivals and welcomed new funding for them.

Senator Power referred to job cuts at Cadbury's, which were most regrettable. However, the Minister for Jobs, Enterprise and Innovation, Deputy Bruton, has emphasised that the protection and retention of jobs is a priority for the Government. His record in that regard can stand up to scrutiny and he intends to keep monitoring the situation. The Minister has always emphasised the importance of retaining jobs in addition to investment in research and development, which is of key importance in this regard. Senator Power also spoke about the Dublin Fire Brigade and ambulance services. HIQA produced a report on that issue. That must be addressed but it has been emphasised that there will be no cuts in manpower or in the number of ambulances that will be provided by Dublin City Council. There is a long way to go on that and there needs to be long negotiations relating to development. Patient safety is of paramount importance and the HIQA report must be dealt with, and it will be dealt with through negotiation.

Senator Eamonn Coghlan congratulated many of our sporting heroes, particularly Padraig Harrington who won again after a number of years and our rugby team who had great success over the weekend against the old enemy. I congratulate Kevin Phelan, a young golfer from Waterford, who finished second in the Joburg Open. We have had tremendous success over the weekend. Senator Coghlan also welcomed the co-operation between North and South in the health services, particularly relating to sick children. This is to be welcomed.

Senator Norris spoke about insolvency, the fact that banks shovelled out money in the Celtic tiger era and the fact that many individuals have suffered as a result. There is no question about that.

Senator Mullins lamented the passing of Tony Reddin, a great goalkeeper on the team of the century. Senator Mullins also condemned the murder of the Russian opposition leader, Boris Nemtsov, which he sees as an attack on democracy. Senator Crown also raised this point. Boris Nemtsov spoke out strongly against Russia's annexation of the Crimea and indeed its involvement in Ukraine. It is also regrettable that a number of ambassadors were denied access to Russia to attend the service for the opposition leader.

Senator Mooney spoke about the allocation of €500,000 for 187 festivals. He is right that it works out at probably about €2,500 to €3,000 per festival but that is in addition to the €2.3 million for festivals the Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht has already announced so one can do the calculations again in respect of the €2.3 million and divide the number of festivals by that amount.

In response to Senator Quinn, I will accept the amendment to the Order of Business which proposes that No. 13 be taken before No. 1. It is a very laudable and topical Bill and I hope that the Government will see its way to accept the Bill put forward by Senator Quinn.

Senator Ó Clochartaigh spoke about equality in third level education with particular reference to NUIG and stressed that the task force should have a union or staff representative. I am very surprised that a task force that has been set up to examine equality issues does not contain a union or staff representative. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister for Education and Skills.

Senator Noone outlined the fact that 100 children under 17 have been treated for alcohol poisoning at Temple Street Children's Hospital since 2012. This is a shocking statistic. Senator Noone also called for the Minister for Health to release the statistics for all other hospitals. I will bring that matter to his attention. He is very concerned about the statistics announced recently.

Senators Craughwell and Wilson spoke about the circular issued by the Department of Education and Skills in respect of the ETBs.As someone who served on a VEC, I must say that staff members have contributed with distinction for many years on many of the VECs. Suggesting now that staff members, relatives or anything cannot be made chairmen is a regrettable step. The boards have been very good at selecting chairmen throughout the country and I would hope that would continue. The Senator might table the matter for the Commencement debate to ask the Minister whether this is coming from an official or from the Minister herself. I am certain the Minister would be quite willing to explain.

Rinne Senator Brennan comhghairdeas leis Aogán Ó Fearghail, uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael. He also commended Mr. John Giles on attaining the freedom of the city of Dublin. He also pointed to the success of other sportspersons, including Carl Frampton in the boxing arena over the weekend. We had tremendous success on the sporting front over recent days and long may it continue.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien asked for a debate on adaption to change and suggested that all manufacturing will disappear within ten or 20 years.