Brian Hayes (Fine Gael)

We agree with the Order of Business as proposed by the Leader. The rescheduling of the debates makes sense in terms of the time allocation.

I raise the tragedy that came upon 24 year old Derek O'Toole in Lucan last Sunday morning. I do not wish to comment on or prejudice the ongoing investigation and the possibility that charges may well arise from the case. I raise the issue in terms of how the media dealt with the case. Senators will recall that Mrs. O'Toole, the young man's mother, appeared on radio and television rightly lambasting some element within either the Garda or the media who put it about that her son was well known to the Garda and that he had criminal convictions. When such cases come to the public attention we need to realise the trauma that is visited on the family, and whoever is engaged in such insidious spinning behind the scenes must take responsibility for his or her actions. It is outrageous that kind of spinning machine was put in place against that young man who, tragically, died in Lucan last Sunday morning. While everyone wants to get to the truth of this matter and everyone encourages that independent investigation to continue until its conclusion, we all have a responsibility to condemn in absolute terms that insidious spinning machine that took place against that young man over 12 or 24 hours on Monday.

I have repeatedly asked the Government to come forward with a view on the potential of the forthcoming referendum on children. I note from today's newspapers that the Government is considering asking all parties to commit to a referendum in the autumn period rather than before the election. It is important the Government make a statement in the House this week and that a period of, say, an hour would be provided for the Minister with responsibility for children to make a statement on whether there will be a referendum. The cat and mouse game has to end. I ask the Leader to provide time for such a debate in the course of this week.