Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

I congratulate Senator Terry on tabling this opportune motion. I listened on my monitor to the Minister when he said he hoped this debate would be constructive and that there would not be point scoring. There must be a maturity in the Seanad which does not express itself in the Dáil. Having read the debate on the justice motion regarding alcohol tabled last week by Fine Gael I do not think the same constructive tenor applied. The Minister came across as arrogant, particularly in the way he admonished those from other parties, particularly younger Members, for expressing points of view. He used soundbites such as "Horlicks" while the Minister of State, Deputy O'Dea, used the words "Complan" and "crackers". The Minister was acting as a senior counsel and expressing himself as if he was in more hallowed places such as the Four Courts.