Maurice Hayes (Independent)

Not for the first time this week I find myself supporting Senator Brian Hayes, in this case on the question of the boy scouts. I think it is deplorable that the bishops should have intervened in the way they have. I know people on both sides of the scouting movement who have been working with great courage, diligence and perseverance in recent years to bring this merger about. They have dealt with issues such as emblems and displays etc., in an exemplary way. It is particularly important in relation to Northern Ireland. At a time when we should be bringing people together, anything that drives them apart is to be deplored.

Following on from Senator Higgins's intervention, anything that brings young people together in an ethos of public and community service is one of the best ways of giving them an alternative to the pub. If public money is going to these organisations, the Ministers involved should look carefully at them if they are acting in a way that is divisive, rather than healing.