I certainly disagree with the interpretation of Senator MacSharry, the Acting Leader of the Opposition, of the proposed code of conduct on mortgage arrears. Today we will debate Committee Stage of the Central Bank (Supervision and Enforcement) Bill, and what better time to raise points on the Central Bank and its code of conduct than when discussing the Bill? There will be ample opportunity for people who will be present and wish to take part in the debate this afternoon. I do not propose to accept the amendment to the Order of Business as proposed by Senator MacSharry.

Senator Bacik raised the report of the Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality on the review of the laws on prostitution. This was also mentioned by Senators Mac Conghail and Norris, who disagreed with the findings. When I receive the request which has been sought by Senator Bacik from the Chairman of the committee perhaps we can have a debate with the Minister in the House.

I note the comments of Senator Zappone on pride week and the celebrations which will take place. I accept her amendment to the Order of Business on No. 13, Legal Recognition of Gender Bill 2013.

We welcome Senator Norris back to the House. He is still quite robust and got much latitude from the Cathaoirleach today. As I stated, he expressed his opposition to the findings of the committee and I am sure we will have a debate. He also raised the issue of the Bethany Homes and we will try to get an update for him on the exact position in this regard. Senator Norris is the leader of the independent group, as he has taken over from Senator Mullen.

First among equals, not leader.

I know they have no leaders.

Senator Conway wondered whether the Government is aware of the anger of the public, and I assure him it is fully aware of it. This was outlined particularly at the parliamentary party meeting at which many members expressed the same sentiments as have been expressed in the House in recent days. I also note Senator Conway's welcome for the treaty on intellectual property which will help those who are visually impaired.

Senator Hayden raised the code of conduct and mortgage arrears and this can be discussed this afternoon.

Senators Daly and Kelly spoke about ambulance services in rural Ireland. I will certainly bring the matter to the attention of the Minister and see what proposals are in place to improve ambulance services.

Senator Coghlan rightly congratulated Major General Finn of the Army, who has been appointed by the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon as head of mission and chief of staff of the United Nations Truce Supervision Organisation. This is a wonderful honour for Major General Finn, our Defence Forces, his family and the country. We all wish him well and I am sure he will do an excellent job.

I note the comments of Senator Barrett on the Luas work and his calls for reassurance on the costs of the project and that it will come in on time and on budget. He also spoke about the price of drugs, as did Senator Quinn, in particular the difference between the price of generic drugs in Ireland and several other countries. Progress has been made on this matter and we have had a Bill on the price of drugs. I agree there is much more to be done in this regard.

Senator Kelly was one of a number of Senators who raised the issue of the banking inquiry. A Bill on the inquiries is proceeding at present in the Lower House. I have informed the Taoiseach that we will facilitate the passage of this Bill prior to the summer recess. It is very important that we deal with this significant legislation before the end of July.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh commented on the culture in the banks and I certainly agree with him in that regard. Senator Higgins and others referred to the taped conversations among bank officials in Anglo Irish Bank. I understand the tapes are with the appropriate body, the Garda Síochána and we hope that people will be brought to justice as quickly as possible. The public anger is palpable. There is a legal maxim, "Justice delayed is justice denied". The sooner all those involved in these activities are brought to justice the better for everybody. If further legislation is required, I am sure the Government will take action on the matters that Senator Higgins raised.

Senator White welcomed the announcement by the Minister for Education and Skills, Deputy Quinn on provisions for special needs pupils. The Minister for Education and Skills met with quite a number of representatives from families with special needs children.

He should not have made that decision in the first place.

Senator Gilroy made relevant points relating to the sale of an Anglo Irish Bank subsidiary in Austria which should form part of the banking inquiry - I am sure it will. Senator Quinn raised the issue of generic drugs in addition to the traceability of food and the question of labelling. I understand Senator Quinn proposes to introduce a Bill dealing with that matter soon, possibly next week.

Senator Mullins called for a debate on Syria. I have asked the Tánaiste to come to the House for a debate on the conflict in Syria, with shocking loss of life. I hope the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs will facilitate the request to come to the House to discuss this topic and outline the Irish position. Senator Brian Ó Domhnaill requested the Minister for Finance to come to the House to discuss the recent revelations in the banking tapes. We will have an inquiry and I hope that the Ministers who were in place at that point in time will give their story to that inquiry. He mentioned the recordings and so on. I hope there are plenty of recordings in the Department of the Taoiseach and plenty of notes in both the Departments of the Taoiseach and Finance of the meetings that were conducted between Ministers and bankers at that time.

I agree totally with Senator Moran who raised the need for more hospice respite beds. She mentioned that in her county there are practically no hospice respite beds and it is the same in the south east. That is a scandal and a disgrace. There were plans for extra beds but the hospice movement is now being asked to come up with large sums of money in order to make a contribution to the provision of these beds. I do not think that is proper. Respite beds were provided in other areas of the country but the areas without them are being asked by the Department to come up with practically matching funding. These beds should be supplied.

Senator Crown also raised issues relating to the bankers and asked who knew what and when, be they bankers, Ministers, officials, the ECB and so on. I understand that will form part of the inquiry.

The religious orders should make a contribution to the women who worked in the Magdalen laundries. I believe everybody wishes the religious orders would make a significant contribution to this fund.

Senator Noone referred to the disturbing negative attitude to immigrants at present. The Minister for Justice and Equality has commented strongly on the matter. I hope he will attend the House to have a debate on the question of integration. Senator Sheahan requested a review of the bail laws and supported his call with statistics on the number of crimes committed by people on bail. It is necessary to have a debate on the bail laws and I will ask the Minister for Justice and Equality to debate the matter and if necessary to introduce legislation to deal with these matters.

On a point of order, the Leader misled the House somewhat when he stated the Minister for Education and Skills met the people who were protesting yesterday.

That is not a point of order.

I did not say that.

The Leader said the Minister met the people who were protesting yesterday.

That is not a point of order.

The people listening will think the problem is solved.

Will Senator White please resume her seat. She is completely out of order.

Senator MacSharry has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That the Minister for Finance, Deputy Noonan, or whatever Minister is available, comes to the House today to discuss the new voluntary code of conduct on mortgage arrears announced by the Central Bank of Ireland and the personal debt crisis which is now the burden of so many households throughout the country." Is the amendment being pressed?

Yes.

Senator Zappone has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business: "That No. 13, Legal Recognition of Gender Bill 2013, be taken before No. 1 today." The Leader has indicated that he is prepared to accept this amendment. Is the amendment agreed? Agreed.