Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I do not wish to intrude on private grief or private quarrels. If I do, I apologise in advance. I have no difficulty with this part of the Bill, but I have enormous problems with the later part, which we will discuss later. Five years is too short. The proper limit is a matter for discussion. Ten years does not appear to be extravagant. I differ from the conclusion drawn by Senator O'Meara. It is not necessarily a desire to cover up what happened five years ago, but to preserve the vitality and the integrity of the discussions that take place.

It is hugely important that people engaged in that argument feel free to do so. I would be more enthusiastic in propounding that view if some of the Ministers who are so anxious for the ten years limit were not themselves leaking information when it suits them.