Order of Business - 1st February 2006

Order of Business – 1st February 2006

Mr. Norris: I welcome the fact that we have
extended the time, which I have been seeking for
some time. I am now happy to withdraw my
motion on the matter.
Ms O’Rourke: The Senator has a great record.
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator, without
interruption.
Mr. Norris: I am pleased to learn that the Minister
for Education and Science, Deputy Hanafin,
made proposals which are warmly welcomed by
Professor Fottrell to double the number of medical
places in universities throughout the country,
which is very important. I hope these persons
who were pinched, as in the cases brought before
the House by Senator Henry and I, will now be
treated with some leniency.
I support Senator Ryan’s comments about
trade unions. It is a pity it was left to a British
member of parliament to take up the case of the
woman in Dunnes Stores who was got rid off
because she, as a shop steward, wore her badge.
That was not right. In light of Dunnes Stores’ disgraceful
history regarding its women workers
who stood out against apartheid, it should have
been a little more sensitive.
I ask that we have a debate on the Government’s
plans, whatever they are, to commemorate
1916. It is important we do so because the
Government launched this notion at its party’s
Ard-Fheis. It is a matter of national importance.
This needs to be discussed particularly in light of
the comments of the President a few days ago. I
found her comments very regrettable. She made
references to the Kildare Street Club and to a
small elite governing the country. She described
them as narrow and sectarian. This was not
helpful.
Mr. Leyden: It is not appropriate to comment
on what the President said.
Mr. Norris: She showed a complete lack of any
historical understanding whatever——
An Cathaoirleach: Order, please.
Mr. Norris: ——and the material she embarked
on was very contentious. In view of the fact that
the strategy of Fianna Fa´il——
An Cathaoirleach: No, Senator——
Mr. Norris: ——is to try to capitalise on this
matter for itself in order to outflank Sinn
Fe´in——
An Cathaoirleach: That matter is not in order.
Mr. Norris: ——and that the President is a
Fianna Fa´ il candidate, it looks as if——
An Cathaoirleach: It is not appropriate to comment
on statements made by the President.
Mr. Norris: ——wittingly or unwittingly she has
allowed herself to be co-opted onto the Fianna
Fa´il——
Dr. Mansergh: She is Head of State.
Mr. Norris: It is very offensive——
An Cathaoirleach: Order, please.
Mr. Norris: ——and most regrettable.
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator is out of order.