Camillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

I support Senator Brian Hayes on mandatory sentencing. If what is happening is true — I am sure it is — then both Houses of the Oireachtas are wasting their time. We are all aware that when Members of this and the other House question decisions taken by the Judiciary we are quickly reminded that it is none of their business. It is clear from the cases referred to by Senator Brian Hayes that members of the Judiciary assume the legislation will not stand up if it goes before the Supreme Court. It is a very worrying development and one with which every Member of this House should be concerned.

I ask the Leader to invite the Minister for Communications, Marine and Natural Resources to the House. A worrying situation is developing in respect of local newspapers. Cartels are buying them up and I am reliably informed that there is now only one paper in Leinster which prints its own issue. The word "monopoly" springs to mind, therefore, I call for an urgent debate to tease out the issues.