Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The question of whether the laws we pass on mandatory minimum sentences are not being observed is a serious one. I do not know whether judges themselves consider such laws to be improper.

Senator O'Toole, in commenting on the groceries order, outlined how DVDs and CDs can be cheaper in large multiples such as Tesco. Owners of corner shops and other small traders are going out of business, since they cannot sell them at that price. Senator Ryan quoted a wonderful phrase of the Tánaiste when he spoke of the paralysis of handcuffed mediocrity, which would be the alternative Government, were it foolishly voted in by the electorate.