An airline company was accused of descending to an unacceptable level of vulgarity in the lobbying of senators.
Mr Maurice Manning, Fine Gael leader in the House, complained of receiving a promotional package from the airline which included a badly written letter with a smudged and badly photocopied copy of an international table. A baseball hat and a rather dirty T-shirt enjoining him to vote for Ryanair were also among the contents. In exercising their legitimate right to lobby, companies should treat parliamentarians with some sort of minimal common sense, said Mr Manning. "This was an insult to the intelligence of people."
Mr John Dardis (PD) deputy Government leader in the House, said the circulation of gifts was something that should not be encouraged.
Mr David Norris (Ind) expressed indignation at the amount of junk mail, exemplified "by this kind of rubbish", which was sent to senators.
Mr Michael Lanigan (FF) praised Ryanair, saying that many thousands of people were very grateful to the company for reducing the cost of air travel.
Mr Shane Ross (Ind) generated laughter when he said that during the last Seanad election he had received various items, some of them from senators. They included three smoked salmon, four diaries, five Biros, two bottles of whiskey and several CDs. "I think that Ryanair are in the ha'penny place compared with some members of this House," he added.
The Cathaoirleach, Mr Brian Mullooly, asked jocosely if the senator was formally declaring these gifts.
Mr Pat Moylan (FF) said that along with the package Ryanair had circulated factually incorrect correspondence. Serious allegations had been made against Aer Rianta, which he believed was doing an excellent job.
The House leader, Mr Donie Cassidy, said he believed Mr Michael O'Leary of Ryanair would be very pleased that the company had got almost 20 minutes of useful exposure on the floor of the House.