John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I agree with Senator Norris that the establishment of a press council should be debated along with the whole issue of citizens' rights to privacy. The use of long focus lenses to photograph chief mourners at private funerals is increasingly prevalent. It is objectionable that people under pressure at the funeral of a loved one are splashed across the national media, particularly when the circumstances are tragic. It is a different standard for public figures.

Senators Kitt and Jim Walsh joined with Senator Norris in calling for a debate on the situation in Iraq. Everyone is appalled at the infringement of human rights there. There is a perception that the West is the sole custodian of human rights issues. It now transpires that is not the case as there can be serious transgressions in the West as anywhere else. One wishes to see this rectified.

Senator Norris also referred to the patentability of computer implemented inventions and technology. That matter is being discussed by, the Sub-committee on European Scrutiny of the Committee of European Affairs with representatives from the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment. The directive has damaging consequences for the industry in Ireland but it is hoped to rectify it under the Irish Presidency of the EU.

I agree with Senator Ulick Burke's call for a debate on social housing. Senator Kitt raised the issue of the western rail corridor and I heard the comments of the Minister for Transport, Deputy Brennan, this morning. Happily, an expert group will examine it and I hope, as a result, the corridor will be developed to facilitate commuters to Galway.