Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

The remit of the Private Security Authority, which has been established in Tipperary town, should be extended from simply licensing private security firms to dealing with anyone involved in debt collection. It is appalling that anyone who is, or who has been, involved in serious crime and intimidation should be allowed to be involved in debt collection in any way.

In respect of Senator Brian Hayes's opening request, if the Government establishes an agency such as the Competition Authority, it must ensure it is well resourced. However, those industry representatives who lobby the Government and every Oireachtas Member for tax reductions in respect of their industrial sector have a duty to ensure they do everything within their power to keep prices down. I note that Aer Lingus intends to resume providing air freight services. Perhaps the Minister could make a similar recommendation to Irish Rail, to the effect that it would step up the use of freight.

As far as Shannon is concerned, the Minister for Foreign Affairs asked questions of the Secretary of State and I understand he was given an unequivocal answer. While I would hesitate to describe her as a liar——