Liam Twomey (Fine Gael)

I second Senator Coghlan's proposal for a debate on REPS. Germany and France take different approaches to their agriculture sectors, but each supports REPS-type schemes to protect its rural environment. Ireland abolishing the scheme would be a backwards step, not only from an agricultural point of view, but from the point of view of environmental protection.

Will the Leader remove the guillotine he wishes to apply to the Criminal Justice (Amendment) Bill? Senators are not so out of touch with reality that they do not understand the level of violence and intimidation to be found in many communities. However, recent years have shown us how absolute power corrupts so easily. We must strive for a balance at all times when discussing legislation, that is, we should not give absolute power to people who we consider to be the guardians of the State. All too often, they have readily abused their powers. At the same time, we must stamp out the violence and intimidation in communities that feel unprotected. If necessary, let us have that debate. It would not do us any harm. In fact, it may strengthen the legislation and the public's perception of what we do instead of appearing as a laughing stock. In some respects, the latter is of the Leader's making.