The acting Leader of the Opposition, Senator Paschal Mooney, raised the question of the horsemeat scandal which was raised by Senator Denis O'Donovan in recent days. I note the Senator's points. The Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine is addressing the Joint Committee on Agriculture, Food and the Marine on the CAP negotiations. I hope he will attend the House early when we return to discuss agriculture, during which debate the particular matter of the horsemeat issue can be discussed.

I note Senator Paschal Mooney's question on the Joint Committee on Transport and Communications which is discussing the issue of road maintenance. I will seek to have the Minister for Transport, Tourism and Sport, Deputy Leo Varadkar, address the problem and provide the House with his opinions.

Senators Ivana Bacik, Mary Moran and David Norris spoke about the publication of the Gender Recognition Bill which I understand will be brought before the House in the autumn. There will be a comprehensive debate and we will all have ample time to discuss it.

Senators Mary Moran and Ivana Bacik also welcomed publication of the Assisted Decision-making (Capacity) Bill, which is very comprehensive. I am sure it will be discussed and debated at length in the House in the autumn.

Senator Ivana Bacik and others spoke about the Magdalen laundries, which matter was also raised on the Order of Business yesterday. I stated then that there was no legal responsibility on the religious institutions. Certainly, they have a moral responsibility and I call on them to make a significant financial contribution.

Senator Sean D. Barrett and others congratulated Nelson Mandela on celebrating his 95th birthday. I am sure we all join in wishing that wonderful man a happy birthday and wish him well.

Senator Sean D. Barrett also referred to the recent report on banking and I note his points. He also referred to the change in the basis on which we taxed heavy goods vehicles, in particular. I will raise that matter which was addressed with the Minister of State at the Department of the Environment, Community and Local Government, Deputy Fergus O'Dowd, whom I will ask what is the up-to-date position.

Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden referred to the MABS withdrawing from the pilot scheme. The MABS has released a press release which states:

MABS, the Money Advice and Budgeting Service, was surprised at media reports of their withdrawal from the Central Bank initiative on support to distressed borrowers with multiple debts. MABS was very pleased to submit a proposal to fulfil this role of Third Party Service Provider and to present  a proposal  to the panel of lenders, convened and facilitated by the Central Bank. As indicated in its submission and elaborated on at the meeting with the panel, MABS felt that the initiative was an important one for borrowers and one which was attractive to MABS on the basis that it provided an opportunity to further expand on the work MABS currently does with all creditors, and in particular with IBF members, and to further develop relationships with credit unions.  Further it is to the mutual benefit of all parties, and most importantly to the benefit of distressed borrowers. MABS were willing to accept the associated terms and conditions as presented however, on further engagement with panel members, it became apparent that the proposed approach was not acceptable to certain lenders. Based on its proven track record of delivering for both lenders and borrowers for over 20 years, MABS believes it could add value to this important initiative, delivering positive outcomes for borrower and lender alike. MABS' proposal, as originally outlined, still stands.

I concur with Senators Paul Coghlan and Aideen Hayden that we will have to take a very hard look at this situation if lenders and bankers are dictating things. It will have to be addressed.

Senator Aideen Hayden also called for a debate on banking. Certainly, I will ask the Minister for Finance, Deputy Michael Noonan, to come to the House for a debate on that topic. We have had a number of debates on banking, but I agree that we should continue to discuss the subject.

Senator Cáit Keane referred to the opinion of the Limerick coroner on the recording of suicides in reports. It is something we will raise with the Minister for Justice and Equality to see if it can happen.

I note Senator Mary Moran's remarks on the offensive comments made by a Member in the House yesterday.

Senator Michael Mullins spoke about the Government's priority of job creation and called for an innovative budget to include measures which would help to create jobs, particularly in the construction sector. I agree with him. The measures which will be taken will assist. While we are creating 2,000 jobs a month, it is very important that we provide jobs in the development of infrastructure, including schools, which would put people who were involved in the construction industry back to work.

Senator John Kelly called for a debate on rural Ireland, with particular reference to broadband services. I have asked the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, to come to the House and I am waiting for a date to be nominated for him to attend to discuss that matter.