Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

Go raibh maith agat, a Chathaoirligh. Cuirim fáilte roimh an Aire. Bíonn sé anseo go minic le hábhair tábhachtach a phlé.

I have listened with interest to Members' comments, especially from the Opposition. I disagree strenuously with the last assertion of Senator Ryan that the Opposition has behaved responsibly on the issue. Many comments made during the course of the debate have been far from responsible. It was suggested that the referendum will raise racist tendencies, but I contend that some of the comments in the House inflame that type of thinking and invite that comment, which is regrettable.

People may have preconceived ideas on the facts of the issue, but there is an attempt at political opportunism on the issue. Members have made comments, which the facts belie. The investment that has been made in the implementation of the law is totally at variance with some of the assertions made. Some €120 million is being spent currently by the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform on this area. The State has spent——