A Private Members' motion tabled by the Social Democrats was moved in the Dáil last night calling for the establishment of an anti-corruption agency. This is most timely. It is something we announced a number of weeks ago. What was shown on the "RTE Investigates" programme was only the tip of the iceberg. Corruption is endemic in public life and includes more than just three county councillors. It stretches to the heart of what we do. We have seen it in the past in various tribunals such as the Mahon and Moriarty tribunals and issues related to land rezoning. There could have been a tribunal for each local authority in the country. If one scratches the surface in respect of many of the land banks that could no longer be financed by local government, were bought at a premium price during the boom years and are now under the Local Government Management Agency, essentially a NAMA for local government, and if one saw the deals that were done in acquiring these sites, one would draw some very interesting conclusions. From issues related to Anglo Irish Bank which has become IBRC to the sale of Siteserv and NAMA properties, one can see that it is rotten. Some parties are decrying it when they have been complicit in it for many years. Some of the newer Members in Leinster House have been giving out about corruption. Parties that cover up other matters such as child abuse and sex offences cannot have any credibility when it comes to issues such as corruption.

Will the Senator clarify what he means by that? To what parties is he referring?

I will clarify what I mean. I consider Sinn Féin and the Provisional IRA to be groups that have covered up instances of rape and child abuse.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

I do.

Where is the Senator's evidence?

My evidence is sitting not too far away from me.

Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?

I do. I ask Government Deputies and my Senatorial colleagues to call on Government Deputies to support the motion to establish an anti-corruption agency. This is essential if we are to restore confidence in public life. It is a very timely measure and one the public demands from politicians.