I support what Senator Eamonn Coghlan said about the bail laws, with which there is something seriously wrong. If a person has 12 penalty points on his or her driving licence as a result of exceeding the speed limit on a few occasions, he or she is put off the road and there is no room for debate. The killer of Garda Anthony Golden had 70 previous convictions, but he was out and about carrying a gun. There is something seriously wrong when this is allowed to happen. The bail laws must be debated in this House.

Well said. I agree with Senator John Kelly’s point on the bail laws. I understand the process of legislation has begun, but it probably does not go far enough.

I join Senator James Heffernan and others who paid tribute to Paul O’Connell. He is an iconic Irish sportsperson who hails from Munster. He epitomises everything that is good about Munster, rugby, sport and Ireland. It is a pity that his international career came to an end last weekend with an injury in Cardiff and that he will not get to see out the Rugby World Cup as captain of our great team. He is not only a great sportsman, he is also a thorough gentleman. He comes to Lahinch, County Clare on a regular basis. As he recently purchased a house in the area, I look forward to welcoming him there on a much more regular basis, given that he might have a little more time on his hands.