David Norris (Independent)

I support Senator Minihan in his request for a debate on planning, particularly in relation to lap-dancing clubs and bars. It is a serious problem which is not at all funny. There is gross exploitation of women. I wonder what kinds of middle-class idiotic judges are handing out these permissions for areas in which they do not live. On O'Connell Street there are supermarkets licensed to sell trays of beer to louts at all hours of the day and night. This is a serious issue which we should debate in the House.

Will the Leader confirm that it is her intention to have statements on Iraq on Thursday? If that is the case, I welcome it. Last week we referred to the "Marian Finucane Show" radio programme in the context of RTÉ's extraordinary attitudes. A statement on "Today with Pat Kenny" that a shelter in Baghdad was attacked by a "barrack-buster" bomb and that "some civilians were injured" went totally unchallenged. In fact, 400 civilians were killed. This morning there was an extraordinarily aggressive interview with Deputy Sargent on "Morning Ireland" which put any interview with the IRA or Sinn Féin in a mealy-mouthed context. Will the Leader inquire as to whether pressure has been applied on the Government by the United States or any of its agencies and if this is being passed on by the Government to RTÉ in order that we know of this in advance of the debate?