Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

I am entitled to state what I read, and we have already heard from Senator Norris. Senator Tuffy finished by stating the need for appropriate legislation as soon as possible. Senator Dardis expressed his sympathy to the Lawlor family. I could assume this sympathy from all Senators, but those who spoke made points in varying degrees of intensity and I wish to acknowledge this. Senator Dardis stated that the newspaper reports were a lapse in the basic standards of good journalism.

Senator Bannon argued that 95% of journalists are decent people, and there is no doubt about this. He stated that the Minister for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin, should rectify an inequality in the pupil-teacher ratio in gaelscoileanna compared to the pupil-teacher ratios in ordinary primary schools. Senator Lydon labelled the reports in the Sunday newspapers as shocking and evil pieces of journalism. He pointed out how anybody's family would feel if such a report was published. I do not know how Mr. Lawlor's widow coped with the incident and the reports, and I am sure she is under medical care. Can one imagine how she reacted on seeing a large headline in black print with three sub-headings underneath, each a massive lie?

Senator Quinn mentioned the family experiencing loss followed by outrage. I agree with his statements on the apologies, which contained statements on inaccuracies when the entire report was a flagrant abuse. Last night, a female editor of another newspaper which had followed the lead appeared on "Questions and Answers". She was quite complacent and content with her apology. I could not believe it.

Senator Quinn was disappointed at the idea of a military parade. While he claimed it was for electoral gain, that is not correct. Our Army is for peacekeeping.