John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

Senator Maurice Hayes is correct.

I also believe that advertising for religious purposes in broadcast media should be permitted. Such advertising is necessary in today's climate. This is because a deluge of information about misconduct and mistakes within religious institutions over 60 years has rightly been divulged over the past few years. Young people, who are very impressionable, might receive the wrong slant as a result. Allowing advertising for religious purposes might bring people back to religion. I do not care what religion we are talking about. I share Senator Ryan's views on allowing advertising for religious purposes in broadcast media. Tarot readers, various helplines and expensive lines which charge €1 per minute are permitted to advertise in such media but churches and religious orders are not.

The land area off our coasts is three times that of this island. Given the amount of blocks which have been given to exploration companies, the Government should ensure that these companies either use or lose them. The price of oil is increasing continuously, yet we have a considerable bank of reserves off our coasts which must be explored and brought on shore.