Order of Business - 12th December 2006

Order of Business – 12th December 2006

Mr. Norris:I agree with Senator White. I thought the headlines were appalling
and irresponsible. The Minister has put forward an interesting proposal. A
degree of sensitivity is required. It is possible to add to it because there is
potential for unfairness.
There are different values for houses and it may affect some people more than others. I have worked with Age Action Ireland and have heard it refer to this as an example of ageism. What does it expect in old people's homes? It is not a maternity ward. Of course it affects these people. This kind of silly comment is regrettable. I do not believe there is as much interest as people posture about either in the newspapers or politically even in this House. I spoke in the debate last week and it collapsed.

On drugs, I share the horror at the death of this young man. It was only a matter of time before there were civilian casualties in this war. It is a very problematic area. This country cannot handle it on its own. It is an international problem. I take the very unpopular but realistic view that we need to legalise, license and control these substances. What is driving the trade internationally is the profit motive. Many of the countries that are strongest in their condemnation of drugs are the very ones that fuel it, such as the Governments of the United States and the United Kingdom, which turn a blind eye to the convoys going through Uzbekistan for their own political reasons.
I join my colleagues in calling for a debate on the Middle East. Although I share Senator Ryan's views on the dreadful plight of the Palestinians, I regret that, Ismail Haniyah, the Prime Minister designate of Palestine, said in Tehran that he was on a jihad that would not end until the city of Jerusalem was re-conquered. Will the Leader request the Minister for Foreign Affairs to call in the Iranian ambassador and rebuke him for the conference that is taking place? It is outrageous that this happens.

Mr. Mooney: Hear, hear.

Mr. Norris: The denial of the Holocaust is a catastrophic moral blemish on the people of Iran.

An Cathaoirleach: Senator-----

Mr. Norris: The people from the West should have gone there to tell the truth. My final point is-----

An Cathaoirleach: The Senator is getting great latitude.

Mr. Norris: An honourable Palestinian delegate from Nazareth wanted to attend and say that the Holocaust had happened. The Iranians, having issued an international invitation, refused to allow him to attend. They should have been shown up by every reputable scholar from the West turning up there to tell the truth.