Paul Coghlan (Fine Gael)

There was much common ground between what the Taoiseach said and the comments of Archbishop Diarmaid Martin and we can reflect further on this. I look forward to the Leader providing time for a debate on the Cloyne report next week if possible or on our return. There are important issues for the State, which must get its house in order as the Taoiseach and the archbishop pointed out. We should not run away with ourselves on these matters and, with respect to other Senators, it would be a mistake to couple the question of the prayer with all of that. I reserve my position on that until the Committee on Procedure and Privileges meets. I liked what Senator Norris said about the Angelus, to which we can all subscribe. He referred to moments of reflection, which are important to everyone. Whether it is done with prayer or otherwise, it is a formula that can be worked on.

I join with Senator Cullinane in complimenting the Leader on the format in which he organised the debate yesterday with the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Food. I was occupying the Chair for a short while and we must remind ourselves to stick rigidly to the format.