Kathleen O'Meara (Labour)

The matter raised by Senator McHugh was ignored by Mr. Hanly in his report. I support the call for a debate on a press council. There has been some very useful debate in the media in recent weeks, including some excellent contributions by Members of the other House on this matter. It is time to have such a debate, which I think would be a very well informed one and for which there is cross-party support.

I am concerned at the remarks of Romano Prodi, as reported in The Irish Times today. They certainly ups the ante on the debate on the new European constitution. His remarks were not helpful. It is important, particularly in view of the imminent commencement of the Irish Presidency, that we receive clarity from the Government on its response to Mr. Prodi's remarks.