Order of Business - 20th February 2008

Order of Business – 20th February 2008

Senator David Norris: I ask the Leader to consider
giving an hour, for example, next week to
No. 35, a motion in the name of the Independent
Senators with regard to banning landmines and
cluster munitions. It is appropriate in light of the
forthcoming conference. I proposed a slightly
expanded version of this in the Joint Committee
on Foreign Affairs and it was passed unanimously.
Everyone, therefore, ought to be able to
agree to it. It would take only an hour and it is
something practical we could do.
In light of the fact that former Zambian President
Frederick Chiluba is standing trial on
charges of malfeasance and stealing $488,000 in
public funds, is at the centre of attempts by the
Zambian Government to recover $58 million that
he and 19 other people salted away in banks
throughout the world and, when president of
Zambia between 1991 and 2001, routinely turned
up in Iveagh House to express his gratitude and
accept a cheque for development in his country,
would it be possible to ascertain how much of the
money, if any, paid by Irish taxpayers went into
his Zambian pocket?
I accept the Cathaoirleach’s ruling that my
motion on the Feis Ceoil is out of order but it is
astonishing the Minister for Arts, Sport and
Tourism has no responsibility for one of the oldest
and most internationally distinguished cultural
festivals in this country. Will the Leader raise this
with the Minister and find out if it is possible to
get funding? It would be a disgrace if this splendid
festival disappeared.
I was surprised that there was a certain amount
of jocularity when the death of the eagles in
Kerry was raised. This is a significant matter. If it
was caused by poison, as appears might be the
case, this disgraces us in the international community.
We are always bleating in the House
about the environment, ecology, animal welfare
and so forth but last week some Members were
proposing congratulations for the coursing industry.
Do we really care about the welfare of animals?
It is not a joking matter. We have a
responsibility to the other creatures on this
planet.