John Paul Phelan (Fine Gael)

I agree with the point made by my colleague, Senator Ulick Burke, about the back to education allowance and yesterday's High Court decision. The Minister for Education and Science should come into the House to debate where we go from here. I will not repeat all that was said.

I join colleagues in expressing disgust at what happened on the streets of Dublin last weekend. I was a bit taken aback by comments I heard from some Senators. I do not believe all the supporters of a particular soccer club are sectarian just because they wear its jersey. I am a supporter of the club in question and I have a jersey but I do not believe in throwing stones or protesting against people who want to march down O'Connell Street. I do not agree that the alleged bigotry of the Orange Order should be an excuse for the behaviour of these people last Saturday. They bring disgrace on us. They call themselves republicans and wear the tricolour over their shoulders but they do not know what it means. Surely the essence of republicanism is a tolerance of diversity which they clearly do not have. They should not be referred to as republicans. We should have a debate on this issue.

I agree with colleagues who called for a debate on the report of Judge Harding Clark and the activities which went on for many years in the hospital in Drogheda. We should hold it as soon as possible. There should be recompense for the women whose lives were ruined by the activities in the hospital.

I agree with my colleague, Senator Higgins, who called for debate on decentralisation. It was clear over the weekend that the Government's plans for decentralisation are in tatters.