Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

I second the amendment to the Order of Business proposed by Senator Feargal Quinn. That is a good Bill and worthy of consideration in this House. I also support the comments of Senator Michael Mullins in regard to the young Pakistani girl who has shown maturity and wisdom beyond her years and has suffered tremendously thereby. As the Senator remarked, she is an example to us all. In particular, I would like to have a debate on the point the Senator made about creating an award for conscience. That would be very important in these Houses, especially given the manner in which people have abused power in the Lower House to discriminate very strongly and unfairly against members of a political party who exercised their conscience and, as a consequence, have had to make considerable sacrifices, for which I applaud them. The vindictive manner in which they have been treated by the leader of a particular party is something we should focus on, not laud. In that regard and in support of Senator John Gilroy, I point out how alarmed I was to read in The Irish Times an article lauding the abuse of power in this regard, commending somebody for squashing the consciences of Members of these Houses. If democracy is to flourish and be meaningful, surely this must mean, in the words of that notable Irish parliamentarian, Edmund Burke, that we do not arrive at the stage where politicians have to abrogate their consciences.

I agree with what Senator Gilroy said about the sacking of Ms Gemma O'Doherty. Many people have come to me in recent months, since the House went into recess, who told me about their difficulties in getting their points of view and their letters into some newspapers because of the particular perspective those papers took on the abortion Bill. That does not serve democracy. Within our media there is self-censorship. If this came about via the Executive or if the State were to impose such censorship, there would be considerable objection and hostility.

Will the Leader give consideration to having a debate on the recent report of the OECD and the troika? This was scathing about the ineffective measures being taken to tackle unemployment. In Wexford, as in many other counties, youth unemployment stands at just under 50%, an appalling figure. The future of these people is at stake.

I ask that the Minister come to the House for a debate on the issue. I am puzzled that the Minister, whose primary remit is enterprise and job creation, is touring the country fronting a referendum campaign. It shows misplaced priorities by the Government.