Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

I agree with Senator Brian Hayes's comments on the high quality of yesterday's debate on stem cell research. Many Ministers have said they experience more constructive debate in this House. Unfortunately the media are only interested if debate takes a negative line or if the subject is controversial. I agree with Senator Ryan's call for a debate on the subject of politics and the media. Perhaps the debate which will take place shortly on a statutory press council will present an opportunity for dealing with that issue. It must be acknowledged that some responsible people work in the media.

Will the Leader arrange for a debate on organised crime, specifically that involving elements of the republican movement in the Border area? RTE recently showed an exceptionally good programme on the subject. The media has patently failed to tackle the republican movement on this issue. The RTE programme was the first time I have seen it done.