In the past week we have all been devastated at the news over the vulture funds and I know the Minister will be addressing it. I want to bring to the attention of the House a particular case I have been dealing with. It is crucial and I have had several of these. Vulture funds are investment companies that pick the bones of the living. The vulture fund companies need to be regulated just as banks are. They need the same standards and transparency, and most importantly they need to pay taxes on their huge profits. This is a massive issue for me.

These vulture fund companies need to allow local authorities and other Government agencies access to information on properties purchased through distressed loans acquisitions.

We are having a debate on the matter today.

I know that, but I want to bring it up because it is so important. I am aware of a property-----

Does the Senator understand that there is provision to deal with this later on?

I know that but I just want to bring it up now because it is about a house.

This is the Order of Business.

Under the Order of Business, I want to bring it up. I am aware of a property-----

Does the Senator know she will be allowed to make a contribution later on?

I know that. I am aware of a property in Carlow which was purchased as part of a portfolio of a high-profile Dublin property investor sold by the bank, Permanent TSB, to a vulture fund company. This property was wanted-----

I hate to interrupt the Senator, but it is not really relevant to the Order of Business.

It is for me.

Perhaps it is for the Senator, but I am in the Chair, unfortunately, and I am advised it is not relevant.

I am sorry, but for me it is. It is the Order of Business, we are allowed to bring up anything we want, and I insist on bringing this up now.

The Order of Business is meant to be about the Order of Business as proposed by the Leader.

Yes, okay.

I have discretion and I have been advised. I do not want to have to interrupt the Senator-----

It does mention that the Minister is coming in.

-----when she can make a contribution later on this specific item.

The problem is that I have another meeting. I am hoping to get back in. It is not that simple. I just want to finish this.

Do it quickly, please.

This property was wanted by a Carlow resident who grew up in the property. When he finally tracked down the last owner he was told that Permanent TSB sold all the loans to a vulture fund company. He informed Permanent TSB of his interest in the property and asked for the contact number for this company. The simple reply was that it could not give out information. The result is a derelict house in Carlow which is now damaged beyond repair. The council has had to secure the house to prevent anti-social behaviour. The interested buyer is looking for the information but cannot get it. I believe this story is repeated elsewhere. This house could have been purchased. There seem to be no rules governing how these vulture fund companies do their business.

We cannot have a debate on it now, unfortunately.

They are allowed to trade without regulation and have no issues with lives they have destroyed.

Sorry-----

We need to regulate them and tax them. Most of all-----

The Senator is very much over time.

-----we need to get a published list of the properties acquired by them.

The Senator is over time.

This is a very serious issue.

To the Senator, I accept it is.

Absolutely.

It will come up later on.

Absolutely.