Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Jim Walsh called for a debate on the report on primary teaching because teaching is so important. He also referred to the commencement of talks with consultants today and that bad practices must be eradicated.

Senator Ó Murchú, who is entitled to his opinion — the Cathaoirleach would stand over this principle — made the point that ordinary people's beliefs were being overridden by those of celebrities and those expressed on television. It is a sensitive time and it is a time to stand up and show we are a sovereign nation, which we are happy to do. I hope everything works out.

Senator Dardis stated that protocol and courtesy dictate what is played. He referred to England's visit in 1973 when no other country would come here. The UK had been subject to major bombing, yet the team played here. We are grateful for those memories. One cannot eradicate memories or history but we can put our stamp on history, as we hope to do on Saturday. Senator White referred to the television audience of 1 million people. We can win the day by winning the match.