Joe O'Toole (Independent)

I know that my colleague, Senator Norris, will say something about aeroplane landings but Dr. Condoleezza Rice reportedly said in Germany this morning that European Governments using intelligence obtained by the CIA or other American authorities should not question how it was obtained. This is an appalling reflection on the West. Is it any wonder that we are in trouble with the rest of the world?

We must get an answer from the American authorities at some stage about what Dr. Rice's statement means. Is it that the ends justify the means, matters that many people have questioned over the past one or two years? People diligently stood up on principle and were for or against the war or American involvement. They spoke honestly, openly and articulately. They must feel they are being let down time and time again. That Dr. Rice could state this brings a new end to the issue. It is a philosophy without ethics and is impossible for us to be a part of. If western civilisation does not distance itself from it, we will all pay a serious price in the short term. Others will have more to say on this matter.

I wish to raise an issue in which the Cathaoirleach will have a special interest. I have noted over the past number of days that National University of Ireland, Maynooth, has given a certification to a group of people it refers to as school child protection officers. This sounds like a good idea but it really worries me. I am sure this happened with the best of intentions but the only way in which children will be protected in school is if their relationships with the authorities of the schools — teachers, principals, boards, etc. — is safe. This move diverts that authority and leads a child to believe he or she can talk to a child protection officer as opposed to a teacher, principal, parent or board. Not for a moment would I suggest that anyone has this in mind but, to those of us who saw its downside in the weeks after the Ferns Report, it allows children to be groomed by unscrupulous people who might ensure they get into those positions. I am not alleging or hinting via innuendo that the people who have received this certification are anything other than well intentioned and decent people. However, it is a type of diversion we do not need. We need, as stated previously, the Stay Safe programme, mandatory reporting and all the matters we have talked about here many times before. We do not need a new body of people within schools to deal with this.