John Moloney (Laois-Offaly, Fianna Fail)

I have two points to make. Although I do not have responsibility for the matter under discussion I wish to respond to two points. As Minister of State with responsibility for disability issues, I attended a recent Inclusion Ireland conference. I was asked a question from the floor about State supervision and inspection. At the time I said I could not make a commitment on the issue. In the light of what has emerged in recent days I consider it necessary for me to re-examine the matter and to see whether I can make changes in that regard.

I wish to respond to Senator Norris, this time wearing my hat of Minister of State with responsibility for equality issues. I do not say this by way of pretence just to get through the door. I give him a serious commitment to re-examine the exemption clause, especially in light of what has occurred in recent days. I will not hide behind legal jargon. I intend to test the issue of why the advice was followed. For the sake of the record of the House, I do not for a second believe Senator Norris is anti-Catholic. In fact, I think the opposite.