Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I support the proposal by Senator Brian Hayes regarding the Shot at Dawn Campaign. Even in the context of that time the sentences were shameful. I have a personal interest in this matter as a distant relative of the Mansergh family was involved in one such tribunal. Such a fact only redoubles my support for the campaign.

We often criticise newspapers and the media in general in this House but I warmly compliment RTE on its interesting and balanced "Land of Gold" documentary last night on the Lansdowne estate in Kenmare, which was a model of its genre. It gave vent to people's legitimately strong feelings but also gave credit where credit was due.

It may not be welcome to some colleagues in the House but the modification of the equality directive was sought under the last Government by all the churches together. The Ferns report has no relevance to that.