Order of Business - 29th November 2006

Order of Business – 29th November 2006

Mr. Norris: I support Senator Ryan's comments on the report of the European Parliament into so-called extraordinary rendition flights. There was a disgraceful performance on radio today by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot Ahern. It was a mixture of bluster, evasion and deceit, as usual. He continually interrupted and harassed other speakers and then accused them of interrupting him.
Mr. Leyden: Like Proinsias De Rossa, MEP.
Mr. Norris: It was a shaming performance and Senator Ryan is correct to say he answered questions that were never asked. Nobody said we could prove people were transported in the aeroplanes in question. He said he relied on Condoleezza Rice's assurance but has he forgotten that a prisoner in shackles was found on an aeroplane at Shannon Airport? Admittedly it was an American prisoner but it should not have happened and flatly contradicted everything Condoleezza Rice said. Thank God for the former Leader of the Opposition in this House, Maurice Manning, chairman of the Human Rights Commission, who made it clear that there was a case to answer and that the Minister's attitude was unsatisfactory, with which I agree. The Minister was too busy to attend the sessions.

An Cathaoirleach: Is the Senator calling for a debate?

Mr. Norris: I am and wish to give my reasons. I hope I will be allowed to because, as the Cathaoirleach knows, my attempt to establish a committee was stifled by the Government and Members on the Government side of this House.

An Cathaoirleach: That is history and not now relevant.

Mr. Norris: Then the Minister attempted to make a few feeble jokes, which shows how seriously the Government takes it. It has been proved that the aeroplane involved in the rendition of a particular named person was refuelled on the return leg and that amounts to complicity.

Mr. Ryan: Hear, hear.

Mr. Norris: It could not be clearer.

An Cathaoirleach: The Senator is seeking a debate.

Mr. Norris: I insist on being allowed to tell the House about these matters in pursuit of my demand for a debate.

An Cathaoirleach: The Senator has made his case adequately.

Mr. Norris: The Minister referred to the fact that there were four complaints. I wish the record of the House to show that I was one of the complainants. As a result the Garda Commissioner appointed two senior detective gardaí to meet with me. I brought Deputy Michael D. Higgins with me to the meeting as a witness. They flatly contradicted everything the Minister said about the capacity to search aeroplanes.

An Cathaoirleach: The Senator is now initiating a debate.

Mr. Norris: I am calling for a debate, which is essential because I am trying to raise the issue on the Order of Business. However, the Cathaoirleach is trying to confine me. The committee which was well on the way to being established was stifled and it is an appalling situation which we must confront. Decent people on all sides of the House want a debate.

Can the Leader find out from the Government what action it proposes to take in

light of the Colley report on the recognition of same-sex relationships? I

apologise. My telephone is ringing.

Mr. Mooney: Censored.

Mr. Minihan: Is it Condoleezza Rice?

Mr. Norris: I expect it is Deputy Dermot Ahern telephoning with his proposals for legislation on the matter.
It is important that we know the Government's plans. There has been a series of reports from the Law Reform Commission and now this one. Every time a report is produced the Government establishes another commission, think tank or the like. Procrastination must come to an end. Will the Leader find out when the Government will act on this? A series of surveys has shown that Irish people are largely behind this type of move. It is no longer a contentious issue so the Government should move on it.