Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

I have supported this Bill from the very beginning and have had reservations regarding some aspects. However, I could not agree with Senator Harris on the small man not being hit because it is he about whom I am worried. I am not worried about the criminals and other individuals to whom Senator Harris and others referred.

Not so long ago, a colleague of mine went to America where it was plastered over the newspapers that he had struck his wife and engaged in other activities. This never happened. The man in question is a small man and I am in favour of amendments tabled to protect the small man.

As I and Senators Walsh and Norris can testify, we debated this Bill inside out on Second and Committee Stages during the term of the last Seanad. It is the small man I am interested in protecting rather than those mentioned by Senator Harris. I have no interest whatsoever in the latter individuals.