Maurice Hayes (Independent)

I support Senator White in lauding the work of Trevor Ringland, which is very commendable. As an average run-of-the-mill "Taig", I would be even more offended by being called a "Tadhg".

As regards the earlier calls for a debate on the libel and privacy laws, as a director of Independent Newspapers I want to declare an interest. I support the request for such a debate. I have been working with a group which includes the National Union of Journalists and publishers in developing proposals for adjudication by independent people, but not by political appointees. The group is anxious to talk to the Minister and is also anxious for legislation. In having a debate, we should also press for legislation so that it does not get pushed back on the list of priorities.

I too was surprised by the withdrawal of Dr. Wallace from helping the debate on the M3. It is a strange situation where the senior professional advising the public is not allowed to help the House. We should think of the view we would take if the chief medical officer was not allowed to talk on a matter of public health. It is regrettable.