While the Government did not announce the banking inquiry the night before last, it did so yesterday.

While I am surprised it was not raised at the time, I will certainly accede to the request that we have a debate on the matter. I have arranged for the debate to take place next Tuesday evening at 7 p.m.

I thank the Leader.

I note Senator Ivana Bacik's points on the banking inquiry and the criminal justice process.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout and a number of other Members - I believe Senators Cáit Keane and Catherine Noone also raised the point - spoke on the subject of beauty pageants for children, one which must be noted. The European Union directive on child abuse and related matters will be debated in the Chamber later today and I compliment Senator Jillian van Turnhout on the excellent report she has prepared. It would be helpful if everyone involved had to hand a copy of the Senator's report in that regard.

I note Senator Sean D. Barrett's points on the Seanad referendum. In particular, I note the points made to the Minister yesterday on consulting people in the classroom. I hope the Minister will take up the points made during the aforementioned debate.

Senator Cáit Keane spoke about defibrillators and the development of a new app on the location of defibrillators. I join the Senator in congratulating Helping Hearts on this excellent initiative.

Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú made reference to the banking inquiry. As I have indicated, Members will debate No. 2 on the Order Paper next week. Like the Senator, however, I hope there will not be grandstanding or posturing on the issue of a banking inquiry and that such activity will not be tolerated.

Senator Aideen Hayden spoke about the lack of progress on the mortgage-to-rent scheme and the low take-up of split mortgages. The insolvency arrangements report mentioned by the Senator will be published soon. I will try to get the Minister for Finance to come to the House to discuss it on its publication.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh mentioned the delays in respect of the official languages Bill and inquired as to the reason it was not being introduced in the autumn session. He also inquired about the status of the promised immigration, residence and protection Bill. While I will find out the reason for the delays in respect of both Bills, I point out that the Government has published 30 legislative items on the A list alone for the autumn session. This is a highly significant volume of legislation for the session. It is very important that one has the correct legislation and that it is proper before it is brought before either House. However, I will find out the status of the two Bills mentioned.

Senator Michael Comiskey raised the issue of taxation of vehicles which are off the road. Members debated the Bill dealing with that matter several months ago. There is always a last-minute rush with people seeking to have their taxes in order. I am unsure whether there is a plan to extend the deadline for these vehicles, but I will certainly take up the matter with the Minister concerned.

I note Senator Paschal Mooney's comments on the banking inquiry. Members will have a debate on the legislation next week.

Senator Jimmy Harte referred to fees for the personal insolvency service. I again suggest the Senator table an Adjournment motion on the subject to obtain the reasons from the Minister concerned.

Senator Terry Brennan mentioned the ESB and the issue of defined benefit pensions, with which there have been many problems.

Many have commented on the problems with the Waterford Crystal workers' scheme when people who had paid into it for 30 and 40 years found they could receive only about 20% of their pension. That issue will be rectified. The workers won their case in the European court and the court must now decide the actual percentage they will receive. I hope they will receive their benefits sooner rather than later. As to the situation in the ESB, I am not sure whether the Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Deputy Pat Rabbitte, is the Minister concerned; it may be the Minister for Social Protection, Deputy Joan Burton. I will get the details from the Senator after the Order of Business.

I noted Senator Paul Coghlan's points on the banking inquiry to the effect that we should not prejudice cases that might go before the courts.

Senator Catherine Noone spoke about the marketing campaign of the tobacco industry. We all know about the strength of that lobby. The Senator made relevant points on having plain packaging for tobacco products. There was an excellent debate in the Chamber yesterday on the report of the Seanad Public Consultation Committee. I hope the Government will take on board the action plan the committee has set out in its report. I was glad when the Minister of State, Deputy Alex White, commented very favourably on the report. He indicated action would be taken on several of the recommendations made by the committee.

Senator Michael Mullins and others spoke about mental health services and the programme, A Vision for Change. I agree with the Senator that the HSE should engage in greater consultation with communities before it implements actions in that regard. I have also noted Senator Michael D'Arcy's comments on mental health services in Wexford, which have improved significantly. However, there is a need for further debate on the issue. The Minister of State, Deputy Kathleen Lynch, has been very helpful and attended the House on many occasions. I am sure she will come here again to discuss progress on the programme, A Vision for Change. I will try to arrange that debate.

Senator Jim D'Arcy made a number of points on counselling services for Members and the SOSAD Foundation in Dundalk. He asked people to support the See the Light walk which is also for a very good cause. He also mentioned the reduced VAT rate of 9% which the hospitality sector enjoyed and the creation of more than 9,000 jobs. It will be very difficult for the Minister for Finance to decide in the budget whether this rate should remain. The cost to the taxpayer of reducing the rate to 9% is more than €300 million annually. Obviously, the Minister must weigh up the benefits and see whether the rate can be retained.

Senator Darragh O'Brien has proposed an amendment to the Order of Business, "That No. 2 be debated today." Is the amendment being pressed?

No. I thank the Leader for acceding to our request for a debate next Tuesday. I, therefore, withdraw the amendment.