Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

The Minister of State has apologised for what he accepts were ill-judged remarks. As I said yesterday, if the furore which was occasioned, rightly so, means there is a focus on these matters, that in itself is positive.

Senator Ryan asked whether it would be preferable to have a uniform system of electronic tolls throughout the country rather than moving from one toll jurisdiction to another. One can get an Eazy Pass slip on the M50 which allows drivers to keep going — one must pay for it, of course — and there are other systems in place for other tolls. I remember that Senator Ryan and Senator Ormonde used to meet on the Naas Road. I do not know if they are still doing that, but the thought struck me when the Senator was talking about the roads issue.

Senator Ryan remarked there had been a good debate on defamation, which is the case. I did not speak in the debate but I listened and thought it was a good, balanced debate. The Senator thought more speakers should be quoted on what they had said in the debate.

Senator Ryan also referred to a remarkable event, which I also thought remarkable when I saw it on television. This involved Sheola Keaney's parents, who went to the parents of the young man who had committed the crime and embraced them. I thought it was a real act of Christian charity.