I join other speakers who referred to the appalling incident in Athlone over the weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with those young girls and their families. It is an appalling time for them. Obviously the course of justice will deal with it in time.

The House should have a debate on the report of the Ombudsman for Children that was published today. It contains some disturbing findings relating to the HSE's record keeping and its failure to allocate a social worker or a single point of contact in a particular case. We must debate that and ensure that every safeguard is in place to protect the children of this nation.

I have no difficulty with totally dissociating myself from the press release from the Fine Gael press office which cast aspersions on two of our colleagues, two of the finest gentlemen in and contributors to this House. It was appalling-----

Hear, hear.

-----and reflects badly on our party. I am ashamed of it. I have no difficulty saying that. The people will make their decision next Friday. I am disturbed by some misleading information that has been released during the course of this campaign. People must have the full facts. One can quote figures and statistics to make any case, and one can add direct and indirect costs. It is for the people to decide at the end of the day. However, I believe elements of our campaign have been less than honourable. I would like this House to continue in existence. I stated during the debate on the referendum that I supported the holding of the referendum but that I will vote against it. I have no difficulty restating that today.

Well said.