SEANAD REPORT:STRONGLY OPPOSING views were expressed on whether taxpayer-funded beauty treatment for Mary Harney was a trivial issue in the context of the Fás controversy.

Some Fianna Fáil and Independent members argued that trivialisation was being indulged in, but this was challenged from the Fine Gael benches.

Shane Ross (Ind) appealed to Fine Gael not to trivialise the issue for naked political advantage. What was really at issue was the rampant, endemic and systemic expenditure in Fás, he contended.

Describing Ms Harney as a very energetic Minister who was "100 per cent committed in terms of work", David Norris (Ind) said: "I really think it's an astonishing thing that we should be expected to be counting the nail clippings in a Florida hair salon while the economy is going down the drain."

Jim Walsh (FF) said that Rody Molloy had focused on a culture of profligacy, which existed not just in Fás but right across the public service, "and I think that's done the State a bit of service".

Nicky McFadden (FG) said she did not believe in the politicisation of anyone's make-up or their hair-do. But she resented the fact that several Senators had claimed that it was a trivial issue.

"I feel very strongly about the use of the K Club for Fás meetings. I do believe that Mary Harney was wrong to spend public money on her make-up. It is certainly an issue of right or wrong."

There was a real danger in asking the banks to engage again in incestuous investment, Shane Ross, (Ind) warned.

Urging that the House be given the opportunity to address the latest proposals for the recapitalisation of financial institutions, he said they could result in a serious problem down the line.