SEANAD:FIANNA FÁIL Seanad leader Darragh O'Brien asked that comments made by Government Chief Whip Paul Coghlan about Mark Daly (FF) be withdrawn.

He did not believe Mr Coghlan’s accusation that Mr Daly had abused parliamentary privilege by making certain comments about the National Asset Management Agency. He was requesting the withdrawal in the light of the fact that the Taoiseach shared the same concerns that Mr Daly had about some developers being in a position to buy back discounted loans through offshore companies.

Mr Coghlan said Mr O’Brien had tried to draw the conclusion that the Taoiseach was in agreement with what Mr Daly had claimed, but nothing could be further from the truth. Mr Kenny had simply referred to things he had heard and had hoped Nama was on top of the situation.

Mr Daly had also asserted that Nama was not operating in accordance with the law and had called for the attendance of the Attorney General in the Seanad to discuss the matter.

Seanad leader Maurice Cummins said he understood that the Nama chairman had asked Mr Daly to substantiate the allegations he had made, but he had been unable to provide any evidence.

Tributes were paid by Cathaoirleach Paddy Burke and by party and group leaders to the late Brian Lenihan. A minute’s silence was observed as a mark of respect.

Minister for Health James Reilly said it did not reflect upon us well that people seeking asylum here were left in limbo for years. He said the Cabinet had endorsed Alan Shatter’s proposals which would lead to matters being dealt with in a more timely and efficient fashion.

Dr Reilly made his comments following the passage of the Female Genital Mutilation Bill, which he said sent out a loud message about this State’s attitude to the wellbeing and safety of our citizens and people who wished to acquire citizenship.

David Cullinane (SF) noted that the legislation was intended to protect vulnerable women. Very serious concerns had been expressed by those who advocated on behalf of immigrants, that the direct provision centres created a system of out of sight out of mind. This should not be the case.