John Dardis (Progressive Democrats)

I am precluded from saying anything on that matter and therefore do not wish to comment, beyond saying that there has been recourse to the courts while the committee has been sitting which has inevitably led to delays.

Senators Mansergh, Cox, Norris, Mooney, MacSharry and Hanafin referred to Iraq in one way or another. Senator Mansergh particularly referred to the death sentence passed on Saddam Hussein. When the EU ambassador to the US, Mr. Bruton, addressed us this morning he left us in no doubt on the European Union's view of the death penalty. Members on all sides of the House share Mr. Bruton's view that the death penalty is not an appropriate punishment. He put it well when he said that there is a degree of Old Testament retribution in some of the sentences, the death penalty and others, in the United States, which is not desirable. We oppose capital punishment. However horrendous the crime and however dramatic should be the penalty for them, the death penalty never was and never will be an answer. It does not prevent further deaths.

Senator Hanafin raised the related matter of Israel and Palestine which Mr. Bruton said this morning is a key issue in global politics. It would be appropriate for the House to find time to discuss the matter of Iraq and the wider question of peace in the Middle East. The ambassador emphasised the primacy of the two state solution, the preferred one of the European Union and the United States.

I sympathise with Senator Finucane on the recent events in Limerick. It is appalling that a child of that age was shot in broad daylight by another child. One must condemn an incident of such a nature in the strongest possible terms. I know the Garda has had improved success in rooting out serious crime in Limerick. We wish it well in the continued fight. Although Senator Finucane called for increased resources, the Minister is committed to providing the necessary resources to deal with this matter.

Senator Norris and Senator Moylan raised last Sunday's events in Croke Park. The GAA is perfectly competent to deal with these matters in its own way. The Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism, however, does have a role and he may attend the House to debate the wider issues involved.

I congratulate Senator Mooney on the success of the Shot at Dawn campaign. I also congratulate the Minister for Foreign Affairs and the members of the British-Irish Inter-Parliamentary Body who played a significant role as well. It puts the earlier remarks about Saddam Hussein into a particular context, especially when one considers the trivial matters for which those soldiers were executed.

With regard to Senator Coghlan's request on the Privacy Bill, the Minister is prepared to debate it in the House in advance of it being taken by the House.

Senator MacSharry raised the issue of drinking and driving. When the Minister for Transport, Deputy Cullen, last attended the House, the morning after factor was mentioned. If one is drunk at 10 o'clock at night, one is drunk at 10 o'clock the following morning and is not capable of driving a car. The Minister agreed with this. It raises serious issues for rural areas but it must be accepted that one cannot drink and drive. That should be the end of it.

Senator Browne and Senator John Paul Phelan raised concerns over the Child Care (Amendment) Bill. The Leader has no control over what amendments are brought before the House. If there are difficulties, they should be raised with the relevant Minister. Under Standing Orders, Bills and amendments must be debated in both Houses before a Bill can be passed.

An invitation to the US President, Mr. Bush, to address both Houses is matter for the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. I note Senator Browne's points on the rights of children under the Constitution and health care. With regard to name-calling and radio programmes, I hope Senator Browne will take that as guidance for his conduct in the House. I hope there will be no name-calling in the House, especially when we do not want it to happen on radio.