Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Feargal Quinn raised the issue of mortgage rates and asked that No. 28 be discussed. We will certainly consider that request. Some of the banks have reduced their variable rates. I hope action will be taken against those who have not.Senator Quinn also referred to the building regulations guidelines and said that provisions of the carbon monoxide alarm legislation are included in them. Our input was to feed into those building regulations and I am glad the Seanad has played a part in that regard.

With regard to swimming lessons for children, I am told that aquatics is a component part of the physical strand of the primary school curriculum. Many schools have swimming lessons for children. I do not know whether it is a compulsory provision but I agree with the Senator that it is a part of the education strand and I hope that it would be extended to everyone.

Senators Cullinane and Moran referred to the passing of Val Doonican. He was made a freeman of my city, Waterford. I knew him and I know many of his family in the city. He certainly was a proud Waterford man and Irish man. Val often said that he was an overnight success but he had been ploughing the ground-----