John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

Helsinki has achieved for Finland - another independent state - a fine status as the place and origin of the treaty which preceded the upcoming treaty. It is quite clear that Dublin would benefit by being the location of where the treaty was signed.

I ask for a debate on the role of the media. I am aware that in life if one thinks one can do something, one is probably right and if one thinks one cannot, then one is definitely right. The media in this country have been downplaying the State, the economy and many other aspects of our lives, to their own detriment. The media depend on advertising to sell cars, houses and jobs yet they constantly go on about how bad the economy is. People in America have told me that America will come out of the recession sooner, not because its economy is in a better state, as it is not, but because Americans believe they can do it. The media in this country has a major role to play and they are not playing their role.