Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Mansergh was delighted that Mr. Justice Dermot Kinlen, who is a courageous person, expressed his views in such a forthright manner. We are all delighted he did so because that is how circumstances are changed and improved, when people of Mr. Justice Kinlen's standing see fit to give a forthright report. Senator Mansergh has pointed out that an initial query under the Freedom of Information Act costs €15, which could not in any way be regarded as punitive, and that one is entitled to seek personal details for free. The Senator also condemned the Italian Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi, for his remark on the second day after Italy had assumed the Presidency. It was so obnoxious and out of kilter with what the European Union is about that I hope Mr. Berlusconi gets a good rap for it. The Senator also said he admired post-war Germany and what it had done in difficult circumstances.

Senator Norris agreed with Senator Mansergh and raised another issue regarding freedom of information. Like him, I was subject to a freedom of information request about my statement of accounts or whatever it is called. I inquired as to who had made the request and the nice young man at the other end of the telephone said he was not allowed to tell me because it was private but that it would come out in time. I thought that was humorous. Senator Norris should submit a freedom of information request to find out who made the request.