Jerry Buttimer (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

Senator Ó Ríordáin could be a Fine Gaeler of the "just society" persuasion.

It is important to recognise the Loreto girl who did her school proud this morning in rallying the cause, whether she had Jesuit training or not. The issue of post offices is one to which we need to return because it is very pressing in nature. I would be happy to have the Minister for Rural and Community Development, Deputy Ring, come before the House to discuss that matter. Senator Marie-Louise O'Donnell raised the issue previously. I will defer to the Leas-Chathaoirleach in respect of the ruling about the independence of Independent Members.

Senator Kieran O'Donnell referred to insurance. Senator Humphreys raised the issue of tracker mortgages. He is absolutely correct. I would be very interested to hear of the outcome of the meeting of the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Reform and Taoiseach this week. The banks have ripped people off in this regard and the Senator is absolutely correct in that it is about profitability. The Taoiseach has made the point repeatedly, as has the Minister for Finance, Deputy Donohoe, that the banks must allow people to be given redress and compensation. It is important that we have that debate again. I will endeavour to have the Minister come to the House but the matter is before the Joint Committee on Finance, Public Expenditure, Reform and Taoiseach, so I might let it finish its work before I invite the Minister to the House.

Senator Murnane-O'Connor spoke about the national planning framework, Ireland 2040 - Our Plan. It is a very important plan and the Senator is correct that all members of society should engage with it before the closing date for submissions.

Senator Byrne referenced two issues relating to third-level institutions in Limerick. I join her in welcoming the 11 projects announced this week by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Bruton, and the Minister of State at his Department, Deputy Mitchell O'Connor. The investment of more than €200 million in capital projects in our institutes of technology is to be welcomed.