Labhrás Ó Murchú (Fianna Fail)

I refer to the importance of what Senator Rónán Mullen said with regard to free speech not only for one church, but for all churches. I compliment the Church of Ireland bishops which has been very much to the fore on the issue. I have no wish to go into the issue but the Leader should acknowledge the importance of what Senator Rónán Mullen said with regard to upholding the right of free speech of churches, groups and individuals and to interact with any debate on any legislation in the State. If we suggest in some way that it is not politically correct to do so then what we have is a dictatorship in disguise.

All genuine democrats in the State contribute to the maintenance of an ordered and civilised society. Central to this way of life is law and order. This law and order is so well served by the Garda Síochána. The massacre of two young men recently must have sounded alarm bells for everyone in the State once again. In effect, it means the gang wars going on at the moment are virtually out of control. In the past, we were always particularly comfortable with the notion that good would always succeed over evil. There may be a growing misconception or perception abroad at the moment that we should let the gangs fight it out and eliminate each other. We saw exactly the same in Chicago with the Mafia and we know precisely what happened to society as a result of that. I agree with Senator Frances Fitzgerald that we need to prioritise on issues which are fundamental to the continuation of an ordered society. I call on the Leader to hold a debate specifically on this issue before the summer recess. I am concerned that we are acquiescing at the moment to a cancer in our society that we should confront.