I congratulate Senator Barrett on his Bill, which was a very interesting and timely Private Members' Bill. It was very positive that the Minister of State accepted that even though EU legislation is being prepared on a macro level, it was perfectly acceptable to introduce in parallel separate national legislation on banking regulation. I am on record on a number of occasions as saying that our current banking system is not fit for purpose. We can point to a number of examples, including interest rates and bankers' remuneration. I call on the Leader to ask the Minister with specific responsibility, the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, to come to the House for a debate on banking.

Last week I congratulated the Irish Nutrition and Dietetic Institute, INDI, which had launched its inaugural "Nourish Children" week. I called for a debate on INDI's recommendations particularly those on childhood obesity where it highlighted serious deficiencies in childhood obesity services. One recommendation was the removal from schools of vending machines selling high-calorie and sugary products. Research published today by Imperial College London shows that there is irrefutable causal evidence that drinking just one can of carbonated drink per day increases a person's chances of developing type 2 diabetes by 20%. Diabetes is one of the most significant emerging diseases in the world. Last week I called on the Leader to ask the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn, to have vending machines removed from schools. No contribution those machines make to a school's finances is worth the long-term health risks to children. More importantly, State money is being invested in community centres, sports centres etc. with similar vending machines and I expand my request to all Ministers to show leadership in removing these machines from facilities in receipt of State money.

I warmly congratulate Senator Barrett. I do not remember an occasion when the Government accepted such significant legislation in the economic sphere from this side of the House. The importance of the Financial Stability and Reform Bill cannot be overestimated. I ask the Leader to ensure it is put on the A list, which is the way forward.

At a human level, I understand that to have people on such a grotesque level of salary as the chairman of the Bank of Ireland confronting people who have been ruined by the malpractice of the bank - many of them bankrupted - at an AGM is profoundly shocking, but it is a diversion. We should not be bothering with that kind of rubbish. The real substance was addressed in yesterday's debate on the Private Members' Bill. What Seanad Éireann did last night is the most positive thing that has been done in recent years in the financial area and that should be recognised. Chasing after individuals is a waste of time. One understands the reasons the public might do so, but there are politicians floating around the place who were egging on those bankers in the same practice and they are now coming out for another diversion with nothing substantial to offer to get us out of it. That is why I applaud Senator Barrett.

I wish to mention two very positive things. This House has a Job Shadow initiative which brings people in to see the work of the House. I have here on job shadow with me a distinguished person, Mr. Niall Monahan, the son of an old friend of mine Mr. Ken Monahan, a nephew of James Joyce. I am delighted at the wonderfully positive initiative to plant 1 million trees - not Sitka spruce but broadleaf trees - in one day. I understand you, a Chathaoirligh, and the Ceann Comhairle will be planting at 12.30 p.m.

The Senator is over time.

That is something wonderfully positive and good. Let us celebrate it.