Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

We are living in an age when we are all encouraged to be tolerant and to be respectful towards other religions. This is right because the only way good relationships can be ensured in diverse communities is by being respectful towards the faiths of other people. On the other hand, we find that the Christian religion is constantly lampooned and subject to extreme irreverence. One of the most vulgar cases that I have seen recently is the use of the Last Supper to promote gambling. The Last Supper is sacred to the Christian faith and it is very hurtful to people to see it used in this way. I suggest that if we treated the icons of other religions in that way, there would be an outcry and rightly so. I appeal to all people in the media and in advertising to use their talents in a more creative and less offensive way. I know people who have been astounded, hurt and insulted by the manner in which that particular advertising campaign has been conducted. As a Member of the Oireachtas, I am glad that I have a platform to express the outrage felt at the moment.