David Norris (Independent)

I am sure the Members would like to recognise the presence of the former Independent Senator and professor emeritus, John A. Murphy, who graced these benches until recently. I support Senators O'Toole and Ó Murchú on the appalling situation in Iran. The woman was sentenced to a considerable number of lashes, which is a savage punishment, but this was doubled or trebled because she had the temerity to appeal. I raised these issues at the recent assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Nairobi and I am glad to say I was supported by Senator Leyden on the matter of a mentally handicapped 16 year old girl in Iran who was executed for the crime of being raped by her neighbours. Two young men in their late teens were involved in a relationship and were battered for many weeks and, after six months' detention, were hanged from the back of a lorry. This is revolting behaviour and we should protest against it. I am glad Senator O'Toole mentioned front-liners and yesterday I launched the appeal for support for these brave people who, in such difficult circumstances, stand up on behalf of their communities.

I am glad Senator Fitzgerald raised the appropriate questions on children's rights and the children's referendum. I have a message from a victim of institutional sexual abuse that refers to the apology to such victims given by the Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, some years ago on behalf of the State. I am told the Ryan commission is only taking evidence from a handful of victims and has only managed to investigate a fraction of the thousands of allegations of abuse. Many victims feel they have once more been failed by the State, especially as some children were put in care at tender ages and left with a criminal record. There is legislation before the House that will help expunge certain criminal records and surely these people should have their records expunged. Not only were these victims violated and abused, they were left with a criminal record. I ask that we examine this situation.

Road safety was discussed recently in this House and the issue has arisen several times since Parliament reconvened, yet today we discover that Cork County Council is to go to court to prevent the Health and Safety Authority inspecting roadworks. The Donegal county manager intervened in a similar fashion because he found that his workers were upset. This comes in the context of the case of Tommy Gallagher, raised by myself and others, who lost his daughter Aisling because of completely inappropriate road treatment. That young girl was driving carefully and met her end because of a lack of care shown. The matter in Trim also relates to road safety.

I am tired of raising these issues in debates as I am tired of raising consistency in speed limits and road humps. Last week I crossed a road hump at 20 km/h and damaged both shock absorbers, which will cost me €1,000. How can we expect people to show respect when such incidents occur and when county managers refuse to let the Health and Safety Authority, HSA, make inspections?