David Norris (Independent)

I support Senator Ó Murchú's suggestion that the original copy of the national anthem be purchased. It would also be good if, to celebrate 1916, we put it to one side and commissioned somebody such as Seamus Heaney to write an anthem that would be less revoltingly bloodthirsty. It would be more appropriate for the 21st century. While it is a very important historic document, we have moved on and it would be very good to have a less gruesome song to sing. I strongly support the call for a debate on Iraq, but I will not go into the matter. While we have talked about it many times, it is important.

I wish to speak about a matter which I have raised before. I ask the Leader to discuss with the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform or perhaps arrange a debate about the publication of the names, addresses, occupations and photographs of accused persons before the courts. Such publication constitutes an immediate punishment before a case is heard. In cases where the person is found innocent he or she can never recover. Such people are punished in the wrong and I do not believe that is right. Their right to a good name, which is supposed to be constitutionally guaranteed, is undermined, as is the right to integrity of their families and the right to be presumed innocent. This was highlighted by last week's case of a solicitor who had been charged with having child pornography. He was not only acquitted — he was found not guilty — but his business is ruined and his family needed to be educated abroad, which represents injustice.

I wish to comment on the Donna Cleary murder. I agree it is appalling that life is so cheap now. We are into an age of contract killing — it is possible to have somebody bumped off for €2,000 or €3,000. However, I believe that pious exhortations to the middle class to stop taking cocaine will have no effect. I would support them and a war on drugs, and all such other rubbish, if it ever in any country showed the slightest chance of success. It never has and it never will. It will not do so until we get a realistic drugs policy to include destroying the financial base by licensing drugs and making them available. I have heard that suggestion not only from this side of the House, but also from a former Minister for Health on the other side. While it is the only way to go, we cannot do it alone. If pious exhortations would work, I would favour them all the time. They do not work.