Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

No matter what, he is very faithful to Kerry. Senator Ó Murchú feels we should harmonise Christian principles with political activity. He praised the great relationship between Ireland and the United Kingdom. This improved relationship is a welcome step. I regard what happened yesterday as a staging post and not the end. Much has been achieved and we have greater knowledge of what has been done to achieve it.

Senator Norris asked about the statement of US Secretary of State, Colin Powell, with regard to forgetting what has happened in Iraq and reaching out. The former Taoiseach, John Bruton, begins his new job next week. He will play a strong role in this area in Washington and his work will be of great interest to us. I read in the newspapers that incorrect treatment of prisoners continued in Abu Ghraib after the issue was made public. The Senator asked whether the human rights situation there could be addressed. He also asked why gardaí in Limerick, Ennis and Shannon have taken no action with regard to the criminal damage to an aeroplane.

Senator Norris also raised the matter of whether the legislation on intoxication also applied to off-licences. I presume a person does not consume on the premises of an off-licence, but only purchases drink there. I smiled wryly when I heard a three-day embargo was imposed on the pub in question. The closure is not being imposed until January, so perhaps people will have taken a new year's resolution to give up drink then.