Feargal Quinn (Independent)

I add my voice to those who are concerned about the implications for bribe takers without it being recognised that to offer a bribe must, similarly, be a crime. I question the policy we appear to have adopted of handcuffing people. I understood that people who were charged before the courts were handcuffed if there was a danger of them escaping or running away. I was surprised to see a 79 year old man who did not seem likely to run away, being handcuffed. I do not know the rules. I wonder if we are adopting what appears to be the norm in the United States, which means that everyone charged or arrested is handcuffed.

Will the Leader consider a debate on the policy implications of social capital in view of the interesting report on the subject from the National Economic and Social Forum which was launched three weeks ago? It is a reminder that the glue holding the fabric together is often the voluntary non-governmental organisations. This is a worthy document, well worth a debate and I would welcome the opportunity to have it brought before the House.