Martin Mansergh (Fianna Fail)

Albeit after some delay, I am glad all farming organisations will sign on for social partnership, thanks in part to a package of spending measures over the next several years. I agree with Senator Coonan's point on the consolidation of farm holdings. The capital gains tax situation for farmers whose lands are compulsorily purchased for road developments should be examined.

A recent study showed that Ireland, along with three Scandinavian countries, had the greatest media freedom in the western world. Most Members are conscious of this. It puts the minor complaints about the freedom of information legislation into perspective. It provides a background in which we can debate forthcoming legislation relating to libel and privacy.