Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

As Senator Ross would write, Senator O'Toole was appointed by the bearded ones. Senator Glynn raised the matter of the young 14 year old boy. We have all read about the case with much horror. I do not wish to prejudice the outcome of the investigation. However, every child is curious and, at the same time, vulnerable. It is a combination of wanting to know more and wanting to explore and perhaps a person's vulnerability being preyed upon by other people. I do not know the full facts of the case. Senator O'Toole also referred to the gross neglect of landlords towards tenants and how some tenants are advised to see the chairperson of the residents' association, which seems a bit cavalier.

Senator Bannon raised the matter of appointments to semi-State boards. I have great experience of going into a Department which had been expertly handled by former Ministers Lowry and Dukes, and finding so many people on State boards who were of Senator Bannon's noble party.