Jim Walsh (Fianna Fail)

One cannot claim the Bill was guillotined. Those who listened to this afternoon's debate will have noted that Senators adopted a pedantic approach and took the scenic route to finalising the legislation.

I thank the Minister for coming to the House, albeit not necessarily for bringing this legislation before the Seanad. I find the blasphemy section the least offensive part of the Bill. I remain concerned about the imbalance between citizens who are defamed and those who defame them, namely, the media with their power and financial resources. We have not struck the right balance and I hope the Privacy Bill will restore the necessary balance.