Terry Leyden (Fianna Fail) | Oireachtas source

That is fair enough. I assure the Senator that I never entered any of my children in one of those competitions. My own daughters enjoyed participating in Irish dancing competitions. I recall the green skirts and simple white blouses they wore, with no make-up or any of that. They went along to dance and enjoy themselves, not for the competition as such. They received good training and learned skills such as poise. It was all very healthy. The competitions were well organised and there was very little upset. It was easy to see who the good dancers were.

As I said, where does one draw the line? The French have banned children aged under 16 from participating in beauty pageants; the legislation is quite severe in this regard. My view is that it is largely a question of giving guidance. Shirley Temple is regarded as the greatest child actor of all time and she never wore much make-up, or did not appear to in any case. There was no false hair and so on. She was well presented and a great actress. Perhaps she was exploited - I cannot say - but she certainly became a very fine adult and a representative of the United Nations. That is one example of somebody who was not affected by the trappings of child fame.

Modern child beauty pageants are another matter. The event that took place in a pub garden in this country last year was reported in the Irish Independent as follows, "A six-year old girl wearing a green bikini and dancing to Feeling Hot Hot Hot drew sharp intakes from breath from a crowd filled with novice Irish contestants at Ireland's first Universal Royalty children's beauty pageant that took place in a 'secret' location today." In fact, it was held in Corrigan's Kitchen in Castleblayney, County Monaghan. The report went on, "Competitors aged from 18 months to 14 years dressed in everything from bikinis to ballgowns competed in beauty, talent and Irish theme-wear rounds."

Exploitation of children in this manner is unacceptable and this type of event should not be encouraged. On the contrary, we would discourage parents from getting involved. This debate is helpful because parents will react to the coverage of it and, we would hope, be less likely to participate in such events. The all-party support for the motion is very welcome. I am sure the Minister will take on board all the points raised and give the issue the consideration it deserves. As I said, there is a broader picture at play here and the question to consider is where we should draw the line.

The Irish Dancing Commission has brought forward new rules in regard to costumes and so on, which is welcome. Another speaker suggested that false hair is now prohibited, but I do not believe that is case. It certainly is surprising if it has not been banned, because wigs have nothing to do with the quality of the dancing. I do not understand why the commission did not go a little further in this regard. Another issue is how one differentiates between false tans and "real" tans. How is it possible to tell the difference between a cosmetic tan and a tan that was attained through sunbathing or, even worse, in a tanning salon? The Irish dancing sector has generally conducted itself in an admirable way and there is no question of its right to have dancing competitions. It is a great tradition.

I agree with Senator Hayden about the beautiful baby competitions because they can cause a great deal of hurt. I never did and never would judge one. There is no logic in submitting infants to that type of judgment when they are all, in their parents' eyes, the most beautiful babies in the world. How can one judge babies against each other? It is not very logical but has been happening in shows around Ireland for a long time. Incidentally, I have also heard of beautiful granny competitions, but that is another matter.

I support the motion and welcome the opportunity it affords for a mature debate. I am not sure, however, whether legislation is the way we should go. There is minimal interest in child beauty pageants in this country and there should be even less after this debate. Legislation in this area would be very difficult to enforce. I do not like the idea of gardaí arriving at an event and arresting parents and organisers and taking them to court. There are enough problems in this country. Having said that, it is well worth highlighting this issue. We must lead by moral example in advising parents, as Mrs. Worthington was advised, not to put their daughters on the stage.