Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

On Sunday evening I attended a moving ceremony in memory of those who died in the Holocaust. Having suffered so much at that time, I cannot understand how the Jewish people have found themselves on the wrong side of this conflict.

Senator Dooley spoke about the incident in Cratloe. He spoke about the payment of child benefit for people such as those allegedly involved in this incident. This is a separate issue and we cannot go into it. Senator Dooley spoke passionately about the lack of parental control.

Senator Bradford expressed extreme worries about electronic voting. A Bill dealing with the change in the European Parliament constituencies will soon come before the House and may provide a useful vehicle for raising this issue.

Senator Cummins referred to the legal money-lending rate that can run as high as 169%. I am unsure whether this is the responsibility of the Department of Finance or the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. I will find out which Department is responsible for it.

Senator Ó Murchú said we should support the Garda and I agree with him. While there are bad apples in every job, the gardaí generally play a wonderful role in society. They are, as the Senator said, efficient, helpful and courteous. If that is openly shown at all times, I feel the Garda Bill will be helpful.

Senator John Paul Phelan raised the issue of the national stadium. While I understand there was to be a press conference at 3 p.m. on the issue, it might not have come to pass.