Shane Ross (Independent)

Senator Feeney addressed the issue that we tried to struggle with in the last session, the delicate balance between the freedom of the press and the privacy of the individual. Both points of view have a very strong case, and we certainly have not resolved it. It is important that we state that we abhor the intrusion on one's privacy by the press, for the obvious reason that we are all public figures. If we are talking about regulation, we should make absolutely certain that we are not talking about control, which is offensive to the freedom of the press.

I did not rise to speak on that issue, but on an issue of interest to the Leader where we can set the example. Much has been said recently about the Oireachtas setting a bad example on pay and expenses, when we are asking the general public to restrict themselves in the weeks and months to come. We might take this a little further. I drove into Leinster House, just as I suppose everybody else did.