John Minihan (Progressive Democrats)

I join previous speakers in calling for a debate on defamation as outlined by Senators Brian Hayes and O'Toole. Yesterday, a new centre for public inquiry was announced. This will be privately funded by somebody from outside the State to investigate people in public life and institutions. I have serious reservations about the prospect of moving in that direction.

The debate should be broadened to examine this proposal. A sovereign State cannot have an organisation, funded privately from outside the State, conducting investigations, and accountable to no one.