Marie Louise O'Donnell (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business because I would like the Minister, Deputy Naughten, to come to the House. If he cannot come in himself, he can send in the report about community banking which involved, whether it argued for or against it, an argument for the Sparkassen German bank and Kiwibank. I am a great believer in community banking and not capitulating to the pillar banks. The latter have people earning €30,000 to €70,000 unable to save €50,000 to get a room to live in, let alone a house. They are on every campus in Ireland, costing postgraduates fortunes to study, and putting up their interest rates when they qualify. I could start on the banks and would probably have to have medication because of their behaviour. There is capitulation to the pillar banks. I am not afraid of them and do not think we should be afraid of them. We saw it rejuvenating itself with Mr. Drumm, who was not part of a high street bank but who was certainly part of the actions of the bank that led to many people looking at the USC on top of everything they earn. I would like to propose an amendment to the Order of Business which I think will be seconded by Senator Wilson.

With regard to Committee Stage of the Judicial Appointments Commission Bill, Senator Bacik is correct and I would like to know what has happened to it. We were all speaking in generalities last week because we did not know what the Government's amendments were or what our own would be, although I know Senator Bacik had loads and I had plenty myself. I would like to find out about that.

With regard to cycling and cars on footpaths, the Minister needs to look at the fact that we cannot walk on our footpaths because cars are now taking precedence over pedestrians.They are not only half parked, they are entirely parked up on paths. I would start with the walkers, people who may be disabled or in wheelchairs or the blind, who cannot walk in their own city because of the abuse of cars. That is my amendment to the Order of Business. Members should not think I will take "No" for an answer. I would like the Senators to stay with me on this. Where is this report? Why can I not see it? It was presented at Cabinet and I would like to have a look at it. If the Minister cannot come in and organise it, I will take a copy of it, read it and make up my mind, but it has to be done.