John Gerard Hanafin (Fianna Fail)

First, I agree with previous speakers who spoke on the issue of child abuse and the lack of care and dereliction of duty. There is no question that as public representatives our message to the public officials is clear. They should do their duty without fear or favour and without consideration of any care other than that which has been entrusted to them. In the case of child care, it is all the more important that they continue to do their duty. Sadly, even though we may legislate and change the Constitution, if individuals are not prepared to stand up for what they have to do and do it straight through, this will happen again. That should be the message that goes out this morning. They should do their duty at all times.

Second, I ask again for a debate on the way we are handling the current crisis, in particular with regard to the media representation. I am not talking about political representation but representation of the difficulties in the economy. Unless there is a belief that we can deal with our own problems the public will not have faith and if the public do not have faith in themselves, it will not be possible for them to succeed. We must help them, as public representatives, to believe that we can succeed and get through our difficulties.