Frank Feighan (Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank Members for their contributions. Senator Ardagh referred to the sale of mortgages by Ulster Bank. The Central Bank of Ireland cannot stop the sale of this loan book to various vulture funds. We need to put the consumer first. For years we have had difficulties in the financial sector. We are looking at the issues of the living wage, increasing salaries and rent increases, a significant issue which the Government has tried to address through the introduction of rent pressure zones. Young couples find themselves priced out of the market. We need to address the issue of their inability to buy a home. Perhaps we might have a debate on various aspects of the housing issue as we may need to take a different approach in trying to sort it out. When I was growing up, everybody aspired to owning his or her own home. We were infatuated by it. It is wonderful to own one's own home, but there are other mechanisms used elsewhere in Europe. For example, in Germany people live their entire lives in a rented property. Things have changed, but there is a cohort who still wish to own their own house. We should be able to do more in that regard.

Senators Craughwell, Colm Burke, O'Mahony and McFadden raised the issue of pay in the Defence Forces in the context of the report of the Public Service Pay Commission.The Senators felt that the commission stated that it was constrained by the terms of reference. A valid point was made, especially about agencies and staff, as it is not possible for such staff to do a duty such as bomb disposal. Defence Forces personnel have a difficult job to do. It is a job I would not be able to do. I will state how great the Defences Forces are, even if there has been a request to not do so. We are very proud of those personnel, along with those who serve in the Garda. They have served our State extremely well. We are trying to reach a situation where we can address the prevailing issues. This is a major step forward. That was acknowledged in Senator Craughwell's statement but we need to do much more. Senator McFadden has highlighted this issue as well. The proposal is going before the Cabinet and the Government will give due consideration to the findings and recommendations arising from the work of the commission. This is the start of a process and I hope that we can bring things that little bit further. Senator Craughwell called for a Gleeson-type commission. This is a process and hopefully today is a step in the right direction.

Senator Mullen spoke about a new covenant between the State and the church. When the State was formed, we invited the church in and too close a link was developed. I think that was corrosive both to the State and to the church. I acknowledge the great work the church has done since the foundation of the State. It provided education and health services. It was rightly mentioned that decent and selfless people have stood up, admitted that wrongs were done and said that they wanted to right them. The Senator hit on something when he said that in the past ten years, and this may have derived from abuses within the church, there was an emphasis on a "shame on you" sentiment. In the past ten years, respect has diminished for politicians, members of the church, teachers and members of the Garda. Those people provide a great service to the State, notwithstanding the issues of which we are rightly ashamed. It might now be time to remember the selfless people as well. I have only found out about the Taoiseach's remarks, which Senator O'Mahony raised as well. Senator Mullen suggested it was time to reflect on those remarks. While I did not hear them, I hope that in the coming hours, something will be clarified or there will be reflection on the statements made.

Senator Devine raised issues involving the Irish Congress of Trade Unions, ICTU, Ms Patricia King, economic indicators and the higher rate of tax. The minimum rate has increased. The bogus employment contracts at the national children's hospital need to be addressed. I would have thought that mechanisms were in place with the unions in order that any abuses could be highlighted through various channels. It would not, however, be any harm to bring in the Minister to talk about those contracts, as well as other aspects of this matter. Senator Colm Burke made the point that politicians come and go but the public service continues. It is worrying that there has been nearly a 25% increase in managerial staff in the past five years. Perhaps those extra people are not helping the front-line staff. It would be no harm to bring in-----