Order of Business - 9th November 2005

Order of Business – 9th November 2005

Mr. Norris: It appears we will be allowed to
continue the debate on the Ferns report. I welcome
that decision. If we are serious about this
issue, there is something we can do. I refer to No.
23 on the Order Paper, a motion put down by
me and most of my Independent colleagues. It
requests the Government to re-examine the
exemption given to the churches from the operation
of the equality legislation. It is fine to bleat
about how heartbroken we are and say that the
church is not above the law. However, it most
definitely is above the law. In recent years, both
Houses have made it so. We can change this. This
motion simply requests the Government to reexamine
the exemption of the churches from
equality legislation. It is not tolerable that an
organisation which protected serial child abusers
is given the right to fire perfectly decent, respectable
and good teachers on the sole basis of their
sexual orientation. It is a reproach to the House’s
integrity if we do not take up this matter. I ask
that we combine the statements on the Ferns
report with the taking of this motion. The motion
does not bind the Government to any action. If
we are serious about the church not being above
the law and other citizens, the House must
request the Government to simply re-examine
the issue in light of the Ferns report.
I welcome the comments of Senator Brian
Hayes on the Shot at Dawn Campaign. I have
raised the matter several times too. The cases are
absolutely tragic. A disproportionate number of
Irish people, serving in the British army during
the First World War were shot for desertion, cowardice
or whatever it was. I have read many of
the cases. One, in particular, concerned a young
lad who was shot peremptorily because, after having
been through the thick of battle, he refused
to put on a muddied, sopping wet hat which could
have given him pneumonia. It was inhumane.
They shot the Irish pour encourager les autres. It
was a barbarous and awful matter. The New
Zealand Government got what it wanted and it
has recognised those executed by awarding them
medals posthumously. I strongly support this
campaign.
When will the ending of the groceries order be
enforced? There is something fishy about the
very phrase “below-cost selling”. What businessman
actually sells below cost? Several charities
have claimed it will do damage to the most vulnerable
elements in society. We already have two
chain stores controlling over 50% of the market.
An Leas-Chathaoirleach: Is Senator Norris
seeking a debate on the groceries order?
Mr. Norris: Yes, but I want to explain why.
Yesterday, on the wireless, Mr. Ben Dunne said
we need to be careful about the removal of the
groceries order, as the chain stores will use it to
get gullible people into their stores. The Government
order. However, the regulations must be monitored.
If the chain stores are allowed, without
being told,——
An Leas-Chathaoirleach: The Leader understands
the point Senator Norris is making.
Mr. Norris: I do not know how she can because
I have not made it yet. However, I know she is a
wonderfully perceptive and intelligent woman.
Ms O’Rourke: I am very clever.
Mr. Norris: Ben Dunne’s point is that if stores
are allowed to sell below cost, they must be made
do so for a reasonable period at every branch.
Ms O’Rourke: Yes.
Mr. Norris: Otherwise, they will just use it to
draw people into their stores. The House must
monitor this situation.