Michael Finucane (Fine Gael)

The Human Rights Commission, a senior member of which is former Senator Maurice Manning, was established by statute. In that context, I am bitterly disappointed by the attitude of the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, in a debate on "Morning Ireland" this morning. At times I felt he thought he was in the Four Courts when he used words like "I challenge you". He came across as an arrogant man who is dealing with a sensitive issue which we will debate in the House on Friday and I am appalled by the rhetoric used. When anyone voices any concerns, as Mr. Farrell did in moderate terms this morning, he or she is shot down with the Minister's eloquent legalese.