John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

It is a hallmark of democracy to give human rights to those who may not have given them to others. We should stand up for their human rights because it is important for people to have fair trials. People who have been given a nameplate are not always innocent. In many cases they are, but even when they have done something very wrong we must stand up for their human rights.

I support the call for a debate on genetically modified foods. The significant reduction in the amount of food reserves worldwide raises the question of whether the amount of land set aside should continue to be so. Not all genetically modified food is Frankenfood. We need a logical, rational debate on this issue. Producers have used animal husbandry, breeding and seeds and other materials in the natural course of events to improve stock and crops. Genetic modification may be another way of doing this.

It was interesting to see the Opposition nitpicking points in the fine budget then asking what we are doing about local authority housing, given that it controls most local authorities. What is it doing about the problem? Where did it put the money it got?