Joe O'Toole (Independent)

If we were to start gagging the psychics in this great House, we might have some very silent debates indeed. I agree with Senator Mullen that the Franciscans should be allowed to advertise for vocations. If they want to tell us that it is one true, Catholic and apostolic church, I do not have a problem with that either, but neither do I have a problem with psychics selling their services. They might be right sometimes. The amendments before us go too far into regulation. These issues could best be dealt with through the advertising standards process. I agree with what is in the section concerning advertising for a political end, but any objections of mine would have more to do with the political process than with content. Generally speaking, I am satisfied with that section. Psychics have been dealt with efficiently and effectively by investigative stories, newspaper comment and radio and television programmes. We do not need to do it.

Senator Mullen made a strong point in commenting about restrictions on a group, such as a church, putting forward a point of view. I do not see why anybody should object to that and neither do I see why it creates a problem. If people want to advertise a Corpus Christi procession or some aspect of church community life or church beliefs, they should be allowed to do so. Any kind of restriction on that is impossible in a republic. As I have said many times before, there must be room in a republic for the woman who used to sing the rosary down in O'Connell Street as much as for elected public representatives. Once one starts trying to stop people from doing this, that or the other, it is dangerous territory. I am uncomfortable with it and I do not want to go down that road.

I would be concerned, however, if the content of the Bill prevented members of a religion from talking about or expressing aspects of their religion. Religion is a personal choice and in a free society I would be uncomfortable with any aspect of controls or regulations which prevented the active participation in religion, if that is Senator Mullen's point. We do not need to be proactive but if it is the case that an interpretation of the section has the consequence as outlined by Senator Mullen, I would be concerned about it. I would not be concerned about psychics, however, and would let them at it.