Order of Business - 6th February 2007

Order of Business - 6th February 2007
Mr. Norris: I am glad Senator Mansergh has provided me once again with the opportunity to partly disagree with him. While I am in favour of CAP reform, the Senator is correct to state that agriculture is a very important element in Ireland and should continue to be so. On the other hand, I have no sympathy whatever for the proprietors of the Matthews factory farm. Such places are concentration camps for animals and are extremely dangerous. If we lose respect for other creatures on this planet, we quickly lose respect for ourselves and for our fellow humans. Avian flu spreads like wildfire and the virus is capable of mutating within these horrible places, in which hundreds of thousands of birds are stuffed. Yesterday, I mentioned this matter to my colleague, Senator Henry, who indicated that in some places the birds are so overfed their poor unfortunate legs cannot hold them up. Therefore, I have no sympathy for the Matthews company. Last April, employees were filmed playing bat and ball with live turkeys. There is no respect whatever.
An Cathaoirleach: Does Senator Norris have a question?
Mr. U. Burke: He did not get the single payment yet.
Mr. Norris: I support Senator Mansergh’s call for a debate on this matter. The unfortunate people with a good organic farm next door are the real victims. I have no sympathy whatever for the Matthews farm.
I have been reasonably patient on the matter of domestic partnership legislation. The Civil Partnership Bill 2004 replaced the 2003 Bill. An amendment was tabled in the name of the Leader which proposes delaying the Bill until further circumstances are met. These are the resolution of current litigation regarding the recognition of foreign same-sex marriage, the finalisation of the report of the All-party Oireachtas Committee on the Constitution and the publication of the report of the Law Reform Commission on the rights and duties of cohabitees. All of these have been done.
I am fed up with this legislative constipation on the part of the Taoiseach, Mr. Bertie Ahern, and the Tánaiste. It is time for movement or to get off the pot. We waited long enough for this and people are tired of it. If they have any intention they should move on it now and the Bill before the House meets every requirement.
I support Senator Brian Hayes in his call for a debate on health. The MRSA situation is worrying. It is endemic. Yesterday, a radio report told of a woman who was so disgusted by the condition of the curtains around a relative’s bed she took them home and washed them. Patients also have responsibilities. From contacts in the nursing business I know of patients in hospitals who do not observe high standards of cleanliness. Everybody ought to be aware this is an extremely dangerous bug.