Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

I entirely agree with Senator Quinn that legislation passed by the Oireachtas should be implemented and not obstructed by servants of the State who are specially charged with implementation of the law. I look forward to lengthy, detailed and reasoned debate on the Privacy Bill. I am sure this Bill, like many others of its kind, will be capable of being much improved in its passage through the Oireachtas.

With regard to the events of last week, I take the robust view that no public interest was damaged by the non-revelation of the story for nine years, nor would it be damaged by observing the rules of the tribunal now.

I welcome next week's meeting of Archbishop Brady and Dr. Ian Paisley, not only for its contribution to assisting the important negotiations currently under way but also for the example we hope it will set in helping to quench some of the demons of sectarianism.