Alan Shatter (Dublin South, Fine Gael)

This is getting more interesting as we go on. I thank Senator Leyden for his contribution but I will correct one thing he said. There are a number of things I find disturbing about what has been happening in this Chamber. I would have expected something better from some Members of this Chamber. I have sat through this debate and we are on day three of it. Comments have been made which are derogatory of the reputation of officials in the Department of Defence. There is a suggestion they are engaged in some sort of conspiracy or that I have been led up the garden path. As someone whose hobby is gardening, I am quite happy to go up any garden path but I certainly have not been misled on this issue.

It has been a disgraceful attack on RACO suggesting that it is trying to influence judicial appointments which I think for a representative body is grossly unfair and which is why I welcome what Senator Leyden said. There is a suggestion that RACO has secretly, in some shape or form, drafted the legislation before the House or that it has been drafted by my officials in the Department in consultation with and under duress of some description from RACO.