Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I have been there and have observed this. I know what I am talking about. The history of a country is as important to it as the contemporary record. I accept that it is the fashion to say that only newspapers and television matter, but I do not agree; considered history also matters.

I do not like the aspersions cast in the House on civil servants. In that context, we may yet hear more about secret machinations, paranoia, etc. Civil servants are also patriots and Members would do well to remember that. The Bill has been drawn up by distinguished civil servants.