In common with others, I welcome the beginning of Commencement Matters. It will make us more efficient than we were when we had the former practice of engaging in Adjournment debates.

I agree with Senator Darragh O'Brien on the proposal that mortgage applicants provide a 20% deposit. That is unrealistic and not related to the market. A figure of 10% to 15% would be much more appropriate, with a cap of 3.5 times the combined salaries of applicants. I also agree with the comments of my colleague, Senator Jim D'Arcy, about Mr. Jim Cusack, whom I met about another matter at a lunchtime meeting in Leinster House today.

What has happened as regards fuel smugglers dumping waste into streams-----

Republicans.

I do not know what they were. I very much agree with the motion tabled by Councillor McGahon which was approved by Louth County Council.

I compliment Mr. Duffy who, unfortunately, is leaving AIB. I wish him well with Clydesdale Bank. I am sure he will do an excellent job, as he has done in the major transformation he has undertaken at AIB. He has made the bank into such a valuable asset for the taxpayer such that it has returned to profitability and is going places. It is always a team effort - just as people here are a team. The strength of the combined team in AIB is going places. It is all very positive and I wish Mr. Dufy well. Please God, he will stay on until his replacement is found and, no doubt, he will have a hand, with the chairman and others, in finding that replacement. It augurs well for the banking strategy which has been in place under the tutelage of the Government.