Donie Cassidy (Fianna Fail)

My late father told me I was getting involved in a very difficult industry. He said I was going in with my good name and that if I came out the same way I would have achieved a lot. For many years I wondered why he felt it necessary to say that to me because I always tried to do the right thing in my life. At the end of it all, I realised how sensible a remark it was from an ordinary man in an ordinary part of the country. What great advice it was and I never forgot it. Now that I have placed it on the record of the House, I am sure other colleagues might deliberate on it from time to time when put in the same difficult positions. It is never the wrong time to do the right thing, as Paudge Brennan used to say, and I hope all Members of this House will always bear that in mind.

Senator Hanafin made a proposal regarding Eircom. This can certainly be discussed and debated. I will certainly pass his views on to the Minister. The House may be able to discuss them at some future time when we are discussing the issue of finance for communications. Senators Ó Murchú and O'Reilly spoke about the media. Senator Ó Murchú put his finger on the point in congratulating those responsible people in the media who have maintained the standards of broadcasting at such a high level here. We can have a debate on standards in broadcasting at the earliest time. We certainly must not let our standards slip in any shape or form. From that point of view I have no difficulty in allocating time.

Senator Norris made an inquiry about the Cluster Munitions and Anti-Personnel Mines Bill 2008. I understand that Bill was published yesterday — I received a copy of it anyway. I hope it will be through before the Christmas recess. Senator John Paul Phelan asked about the Land and Conveyancing Law Reform Bill 2006, which was passed by this House two years ago. I will come back to him in that regard.