David Norris (Independent)

Yes. I indicate also that I watched a programme on television last night which dealt with the Oireachtas inquiry into RTE's handling of the Fr. Reynold's case which was most instructive, particularly, the very strong behaviour of various Members, including Members of this House who, when RTE is down it is easy to kick it and they put the boot in. There was a noticeable muting in the House when I raised matters concerning the general media, including the print media. One issue that escaped the attention of everybody who was there was that without the DNA evidence, Fr. Kevin Reynolds would still be convicted by public opinion. As far as I know, nobody raised that issue. That is one critical point and they missed it - well done, congratulations.

It is an appalling example of timidity that people will only attack what is a great national institution, RTE, when it has made some serious mistakes but do not try to find out if this has happened elsewhere and, if so, where, both in RTE, where it has happened. People are afraid to take up these cases and also in the general media. I call again for an inquiry on the lines of the Leveson inquiry. I was taken by what Mr. Tom Savage said when he said that he understood, as somebody who had been a priest for seven years, how it feels to have one's entire ethical standing impugned. I know how it feels too. It would be very good if Members of the House who put themselves forward for public life refused to accept that they can be lied about with impunity. I would like some courage from my colleagues in that regard.

On the conduct of the Order of Business, a practice has emerged that Members are not replied to if they are not in the House. I remained in the House yesterday and I noticed that once again the Government broke its rule as it suited it to do so. Apparently, it is quite arbitrary and capricious. That is not appropriate. I missed a meeting with the Colombian delegation which was here to brief the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade in order that I could be in the House but, apparently, I would have been replied to even if I had not been present. That we do not know where we stand is sloppy management for which I condemn the Government side. That is regrettable.

I am glad, I think partly as a result my raising the issue, that the question of our approval of the Council decision on the conclusion agreement between the United States of America and the European Union on the use and transfer of passenger name records will be discussed. It was, apparently, to go through without discussion. That I raised the issue may have something to do with it. I ask the Deputy Leader if she will be present to give us the benefit of her knowledge. She informed the House she had been at the Joint Committee on Justice, Defence and Equality when the issue was discussed and certain issues were raised which were of concern. It would be helpful if the Deputy Leader with her professional background could let us know these concerns in order that we can decide whether to approve the motion.