The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Darragh O'Brien, raised a question about Mr. Duffy, former CEO of AIB, appearing before a committee today. I would prefer to wait and hear what Mr. Duffy has to say before commenting on what he might say. I reject totally the assertion that the Government has done nothing to help those in mortgage arrears. More than 110,000 accounts were in arrears at the end of the fourth quarter of 2014. That represents a decline of 6.4% compared with the third quarter of 2014 and a decline of 26,000 over the course of 2014. Almost 115,000 mortgage accounts were classified as restructured at the end of 2014, which represents an increase of about 30,000 over the course of that year. The number in arrears very long term is a source of major concern for the Government. However, it is important to note that the latest data from the Central Bank show that the number in arrears for in excess of 720 days, in terms of the marked banks, dropped in the fourth quarter for the first time. The Government wants to maximise the ability of mortgage holders in arrears very long term to afford their mortgage and retain ownership of their home, or if they cannot, to have viable and easily accessible options either to stay in their house or to have access to alternative housing.

As Senator Katherine Zappone mentioned, the Minister of State responsible for social housing, Deputy Paudie Coffey, was in the House in February. He is doing everything possible to ensure we will have a housing programme up and running in every local authority area, particularly in the four Dublin local authority areas where there is greater need. The Government hopes it has the full support of councillors and the councils in these areas in providing houses as a matter of urgency.

Senator Ivana Bacik mentioned the public health (alcohol) Bill. I will try to find out when it is intended to take the legislation. I hope that, as a result of requests made yesterday, we will have a debate in the first week of May on drug and alcohol abuse with the Minister for Health. The matter was raised by Senator Darragh O'Brien and others yesterday.

Senator Paschal Mooney mentioned bankruptcy. As he knows, last year the duration of the period of bankruptcy was reduced from 12 years to three. Its duration will be reduced to one year if the Government decides that is the best course of action for everyone involved. It will make its decision in early course.

Senator Michael Comiskey mentioned the proposed visit by Prince Charles. The visit was welcomed yesterday by several Members of the House.

Senator Katherine Zappone mentioned the number of children who were becoming homeless and stressed the importance of building new social housing. I can assure her that all options are being considered by the Government and that the affordability issues will be addressed. The Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government will make a statement on the matter in the next couple of weeks.

Senator Cáit Keane mentioned the importance for women of taking folic acid before and during pregnancy. She called for a public information campaign on the issue. I give her my full support in that regard.

Senator Trevor Ó Clochartaigh called for an inquiry into the sale of Siteserv. Clearly, information on the issue is in the public domain and there is no question of hiding anything. In March 2012 the board of IBRC met and approved the sale of Siteserv. Under the relationship framework in place between the Minister for Finance and the bank at the time - it had been in place since July 2009 - the board of IBRC was required to engage with the Minister on certain key issues, including material acquisitions, disposals, investments, realisations or other transactions other than those in the ordinary course of Anglo Irish Bank's business. It should be noted that the relationship framework did not include specific monetary thresholds which would have triggered mandatory consultation with the Minister. It should also be noted that at the time in the ordinary course of its business the bank was to conduct an orderly rundown leading ultimately to its liquidation.

As such, IBRC's efforts as a secured lender to maximise recovery on its loans to Siteserv were considered to be in the ordinary course of business. For that reason and under the relationship framework in place at the time, IBRC was not required to consult the Minister on this matter in advance of making a decision to approve the sale of the company referred to by the Senator Trevor. There is a lot more to be said on the matter, but I can assure----