John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I join previous speakers in referring to the tragic events in Spain this morning. I endorse the comments that we should pass on our condolences. A certain so-called democratic political party has an association with the elements committing such atrocities in Spain. Inviting their political representatives to attend the party's Ard-Fheis in Dublin flies in the face of everything we are trying to achieve and is further evidence of the backhanded approach that a so-called democratic party has to serious efforts to bring peace not only to this country but to all democratic states. The people need to face up to its association with political parties that try to undermine democracy. The time has come for us to stop walking on eggshells around these people and tell them it is not acceptable and never will be. I endorse Senator Ryan's comments.

I support Senator O'Toole's call for a debate on the report of the Marine Casualty Investigation Board. We must reflect on this matter and bring in line legislation governing activities involving pleasure craft in particular. With the amount of new pleasure craft used off our shores during the summer months, we are very fortunate to have had so few tragedies. A debate could highlight the issues and would be useful to future legislation.

The proposed referendum on citizenship will need to be handled very carefully and we need an open debate. If it is not fully explained and justified, there is a danger that the scandalous racist comments made during the last general election will be repeated. In the constituency in which I ran in the general election there were some outrageous comments and political hijacking of a race issue. I look forward to a clear explanation. However, if a referendum is held at the same time as the local and European elections, I appeal to all politicians and candidates not to play the race card. It does a disservice to politicians, to democracy and to this country.