Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Leader of the Opposition, Senator Brian Hayes, referred to the excellent debate that took place yesterday. I thank everyone who contributed or listened, either in the House or in their offices. As I stated last evening, the excellence of such debates underlines the need to have a House such as this. The debate was covered in The Irish Times and the Irish Independent, but I accept that the articles relating to it did not take up much space.

Another Senator indicated that it is the editor of a newspaper who decides what is included in articles. Jimmy Walsh, the reporter from The Irish Times who covers the Seanad, does excellent work. I have often heard him lamenting the fact that he submits large reports only to find that they are emasculated the following morning. The idea that we should meet with the editors of the newspapers is good and I will acknowledge whoever said it later.