Maurice Cummins (Fine Gael)

It is hoped the Minister of State can come to the House before the end of September to address the points raised by many Senators on the issue of alcohol abuse and below-cost selling of alcohol.

On the issue raised by Senator Zappone, I will discuss the matter with the Committee on Procedure and Privileges. What happened last week was regrettable. Senator Norris referred to the McAreavey and Harte families. What happened was absolutely appalling and most distressing for the families concerned. The Senator also outlined a number of other examples of, to put it mildly, misbehaviour by the press. We had a debate with the Minister, Deputy Rabbitte, on media standards. I have requested the Minister to come to the House during the next term for a further debate on media standards and ownership. We will have an opportunity then to discuss the matters raised today by Senator Norris.