Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I must declare an interest in pornography. Perhaps I should rephrase that and say I have an interest in its regulation. I am the lay adviser to RegTel, which regulates premium rates telephone lines. In fact, I spent some time yesterday grappling with the problem, which Senator Tuffy and others have so graphically outlined. The protection of young people from exploitation and obscenity is a real problem.

There are real technical problems. There is currently an attempt to introduce a PIN system but, as Senator Minihan has said, it is very difficult to catch the people who are using pay-as-you-go telephones. Another problem is that the vast bulk of this stuff originates outside the State or outside the European Union. However, I welcome the call for a debate. It would be a healthy thing to have it.

When the Minister for Transport comes to the House will he be able to tell us the position regarding air marshals in planes? We all know that we need security but what reasonable alternatives have been canvassed and what would be the position of Irish carriers?