Perhaps that is an issue we can discuss at a later stage.

Senators Jillian van Turnhout, Colm Burke and others spoke about the issue of female genital mutilation and the reopening of the clinic, which will be welcomed by everybody.

Senators Jillian van Turnhout, Hildegarde Naughton, Terry Leyden, Cáit Keane and Michael Mullins spoke about the abduction of children in Nigeria. This appalling event is not getting the international coverage it deserves. I agree that swift action is required on the part of the Nigerian Government and pressure should be applied by all countries in that regard. I would welcome an all-party motion on the matter that might be discussed next week. I hope such a motion will be forthcoming. This side of the House would certainly be agreeable to raising the matter with the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade at the appropriate time next week. I hope something will also be done in the meantime.

Senator Jillian van Turnhout also spoke about child beauty pageants. The view of this House on the matter is clear and unequivocal, but it is a matter for the Dáil to decide its view.

Senator Sean D. Barrett referred to Setanta Insurance. I agree completely with his remarks in that regard. The lack of regulation is, once again, an issue in the context of insurance companies. I have been approached by a number of people in recent weeks regarding claims they had made and the payments they were expecting to receive. They do not know where they stand. If the Central Bank knew about the issue since last November, why did it not take action then? Policies were being sold as recently as the week before the company went into liquidation. Some recourse must be offered to those who are in this situation. The Government of Malta, where the company was regulated, should not get away scot free in that regard. I will raise the issue with the Minister for Finance who has also commented on it.

I also share Senator Sean D. Barrett's concerns about Mr. Trichet which, no doubt, will be discussed in the banking inquiry. Senator Mary Ann O'Brien asked about the make up of the inquiry. On behalf of the House, I made representations, as requested, to involve Senators in the inquiry and it has been decided that the Government will nominate one Senator and that the Opposition will also nominate one Senator. It is to be welcomed that the House is recognised when it comes to forming a committee of such importance.

Senators John Kelly, Imelda Henry, Michael Mullins and Paul Coghlan raised the issue of discretionary medical cards, to which I referred.

Senators Labhrás Ó Murchú and Mary White called for a debate on Northern Ireland. I have asked the Taoiseach to deal with this matter. As Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú noted, this House has had balanced and reasonable debates on Northern Ireland and I have no reason to believe any other debate we might have would not be conducted in a similar manner. This House has always been to the fore in promoting peace and reconciliation and we should continue in that role. One of the amendments to Standing Orders that the Government has proposed to the Committee on Procedure and Privileges is that Ministers who attend North-South ministerial meetings should report to this House in order that we can debate the issues arising. Senator Jim D'Arcy referred to this issue in the context of transport matters. I expect this proposal to be accepted by the committee and the House and it should be welcomed by all Members.

I have addressed the question raised by Senator David Cullinane regarding water charges.

Senator Terry Leyden referred to the decision of the Egyptian judiciary to hand down death sentences to more than 500 people. This is a most regrettable decision which perhaps the Senator might raise on the Adjournment.

Senator Mary Ann O'Brien welcomed the decisions by the Minister for Justice and Equality on the regulation of charities and the appointment of a new board. This is something Senators have sought for some time. I compliment the Minister on making these appointments.

Senator Lorraine Higgins spoke about the culture of banking, including Ulster Bank in particular, and called for a debate on sanctions against banks. I wish the Senator, with Senators Deirdre Clune, Thomas Byrne and Rónán Mullen, well in their quest for election to the European Parliament. It is a hard campaign.

Senator Mary White referred to the views of Boston College on the tapes. I am sure the issue will be raised during our debate on Northern Ireland.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh referred to the Minister for Justice and Equality and the comments he had made on several occasions. The Minister will be introducing the Criminal Justice (Forensic Evidence and DNA Database System) Bill 2013, about which people have spoken for the last ten years, and other reforming legislation in the coming months.

In regard to direct provision, yesterday we had an excellent exchange of views between the Seanad Public Consultation Committee and representatives of human rights organisations. I thank the Members who attended that meeting and contributed to the debate. The report of the committee will be published shortly. I thank Senator Katherine Zappone, in particular, for her excellent work in preparing for the meeting and compiling the report. Direct provision was one of the issues raised, rightly so, but it was also noted that fewer than 4,000 people were in direct provision accommodation, compared to 8,000 when the Government entered office. It is to be welcomed that the delays in processing applications for asylum have been significantly reduced.

The human rights violations are continuing.