Order of Business - 2nd March 2006

Order of Business - 2nd March 2006
Mr. Norris: I welcome the fact that there will be statements on the Dublin riots today. Unfortunately, I will not be able to take part in these but I was caught up in the riot which reminds one how close to the surface unsophisticated emotions are, even in this capital city. It also calls into question the wisdom of holding a militaristic sabre-rattling parade on Easter Sunday. A much better commemoration would be an analysis of the Easter Proclamation in its historical context and a discussion of how many of its ideals have been lived up to. This morning I received an invitation from the Taoiseach’s office to attend this military parade, which I have turned down. I shall be attending church. It is Easter Sunday which is about the resurrection of Jesus Christ and not the insurrection of Padraig Pearse.
Mr. Dardis: It can be about both.
Mr. Mooney: It is a proud tradition in this country.
Mr. Norris: Our committee on rendition flights through Shannon Airport has been disestablished by our colleagues on the Government side on the basis there was nothing to examine.
Mr. Dooley: It was never established.
Mr. Norris: Might I turn their attention to today’s Irish Independent, page 9, and the headline “Watchdog Highlights our Role in CIA Abductions”. Our supporting role has been commented on. The watchdog examines one case which I instanced here, namely, that of Abu Omar who was illegally transferred to Egypt——
Mr. Dardis: We have discussed this.
An Cathaoirleach: We cannot have a debate——
(Interruptions).
Mr. Norris: The rabble are making so much noise I cannot hear the Cathaoirleach.
An Cathaoirleach: I do not think the Senator’s hearing is that bad.
Mr. Norris: It is quite bad actually.
An Cathaoirleach: We cannot have a debate on Shannon Airport.
Mr. Norris: Can we not have a debate on Shannon Airport?
An Cathaoirleach: Not on the Order of Business.
Mr. Norris: I understand we cannot have one on the Order of Business but I am asking for one because it is important that we discuss this issue. Debate was closed down by certain persons on the Government side. Let us have it in the House, if we cannot have it in the committee because the case I mentioned has been cited in the report, as has Ireland’s responsibility, when it states: “It gives a clear indication that the method exists, together with complex logistical support in various parts of Europe.” That includes Ireland. We are fingered and the Department of Foreign Affairs has said——
Mr. Dooley: Senator Norris is adding to it.
Mr. Norris: ——it is still an allegation knowing it is a proven fact. It is time the Department of Foreign Affairs stopped lying about this.
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator has made his point adequately and we cannot continue until we have a proper debate on this subject.
Mr. Norris: My friends on the Government side will be delighted with the picture taken in Shannon of the warmonger Bush, with his cannon fodder around him, the poor unfortunate beasts.
Mr. Dooley: The true colours are coming out now.
Mr. Norris: I support Senator Brian Hayes’s call for a debate on tuberculosis. This is a very important matter. It was eradicated by a team led by the late Noel Browne but is coming back. There were protests in this House when we closed down the various sanatoria, warning that this was dangerous.
There is also an epidemic of spitting all over the city of Dublin. We need a new campaign. When I was small there were advertisements on buses warning people that they would be fined for spitting. This is very dangerous, not only is it socially unpleasant but it is also a classic way of spreading TB.