Caít Keane (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I wish to speak on the issue of the banks that Senator Mullins raised. I reassure the Opposition because of the steps the Government has taken, the Governor of the Central Bank was able to come out and say what he said. However, as Senator Mullins said, I noticed he was weak in his implementation of the powers he has been given by the Government.

In 2011 the mortgage arrears resolution process was introduced.In July 2013 it was strengthened by a detailed definition of what constitutes co-operation and non-co-operation. With the powers that the Central Bank has been given by this Government the Governor is now able to wake up, whereas heretofore one could say the Central Bank was asleep when it should have been maintaining oversight. I listened to what he said this morning and was most disappointed to hear that seven institutions are not co-operating as required by this Government. He should name and shame these institutions and take them to task immediately. The regulator now has the powers to do it and he should do it.

An alternative motion was proposed on the cut to the funding of the Rape Crisis Network. Only last week, when the funding was cut, I raised the issue myself in the Seanad. I asked for a debate and I am still asking for a debate as that is the way to ensure that funding is reinstated. It was not the Minister who made the cut. When I was on the council we were always looking for devolution of powers and power was devolved to the Tusla board which made the decision. I think it was the wrong decision and many in this House think it was the wrong decision. I asked why the decision was made but have not been given an explanation. I want a debate on it. Rest assured that we on this side of the House are just as concerned about rape as Members on the other. When I spoke on this subject I gave the statistics and pointed to the failings of every organisation in this area.