Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Brian Hayes referred to the Garda Síochána Bill and the comments of the Minister for Finance on decentralisation. As a Connacht person, I do not like the expression, "To hell or to Connacht". Connacht is a very fine place. I also note that a representative of a large Civil Service union has said his members welcome decentralisation. He spoke vehemently and openly on the matter. I am quite sure there will be a coming together on this issue. The Minister for Finance, as is his wont, says what he wants to say whether we like it or not.

There was a short debate on the Abbey Theatre during the Order of Business last Thursday and there was general agreement that the theatre should remain near to its present location north of the Liffey. I will request that the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism come to the Seanad to discuss the matter.

Senator O'Toole raised the question of a press council. I agree that the young woman in question was diminished in every sense of the word by the way she was used by newspapers. I was reminded of the accusation that the Prime Minister, Mr. Tony Blair, had sexed up a dossier. In this case the news story was sexed up and it was wrong.

The visit of President Bush to Ireland was referred to. I agree with Senator Norris who said we can all make our protest if we wish.

Senator Tuffy raised the of certification for children in bars. I wonder about the other customers, who may not be keen to have children running around bars. One often visits a bar to have a quiet drink and to talk. No one has made the point that it may not be suitable to have young children in bars. They can sit in a hotel lounge with their parents. We cannot on one hand speak about young people being infected with the demon drink while on the other having younger people exposed to the smells and sounds of bars.

Senator Scanlon spoke about vandalism in graveyards and tombs being broken open to see if they contained valuables. I will inquire about the nature and age of the legislation which applies in this area. The desecration of tombs is a heinous crime.

Senator Browne wants to know the view of the Progressive Democrats on motorways. He and Senator Dardis can have that out between the two of them.