Ivana Bacik (Independent)

I am grateful to Senators Harris and O'Toole for raising the issue of yesterday's debate. It is important that when we have a debate on drugs, mandatory testing and other issues, it would be conducted in a rational and civilised manner. I was very disappointed yesterday to be subjected to the sort of barracking that took place. It was a lazy response. I was delighted that last night's "Prime Time" programme presented alternative and quite radical views, and did so fairly and calmly in what was a rational debate. I am delighted Senator Harris was listened to with great respect today when he expressed his views, which are more radical than my own. This is correct and I am delighted the debate can be conducted in this way.

I am grateful to the Leader and Deputy Leader for engaging with me in regard to seeking a further debate on the Climate Protection Bill 2007 which I introduced in the House in Private Members' time on 3 October. At that stage, I was promised we could have a further debate on it in Government time before Christmas. I spoke at a rally organised by Stop Climate Chaos in Dublin on Saturday, which was attended by hundreds of people in the pouring rain. They were very concerned to hear what was happening with regard to climate protection legislation in the context of the Bali talks. There is a real groundswell of support for this type of measure and for putting into legislation the commitments to reduce carbon emissions, which we signed up to under the Kyoto Protocol and which we are likely to sign up to further in Bali.