Order of Business - 29th May 2008

The Order of Business - 29th May 2008
Senator David Norris: I am happy that Senators are unanimous in welcoming the cluster
munitions ban treaty. We can be proud of the fact that it will forever have the name “Dublin”
attached to it. We should compliment the former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Deputy Dermot
Ahern, who took a direct, active and personal interest in this matter, and Pax Christi Ireland,
which briefed Senators ahead of the debate in Seanad E´ ireann, through which the House
played its role. At the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, Deputy Higgins and I tabled a
motion that was passed unanimously.
I welcome that the United Kingdom came on board, largely through the efforts of Lord
Alfred Dubs and Lord Elton of the Upper House of the British Parliament, who attended the
parliamentarians’ conference several days ago. I hope that the stigma that operated after the
ban on landmines and that prevented even non-signatories such as the United States and others
from using those weapons will act in this instance.
I am concerned about the interoperability clause introduced at the behest of France and the
UK. It must be made clear that Irish troops will never engage in military action in co-operation

with an army deploying such filthy weapons. Will the Leader ask the Minister for Foreign
Affairs to give an undertaking along these lines? A lack of participation will force the remaining
countries to stop using those weapons.
I wish to refer to a debate in the Lower House and to compliment Deputy Ulick Burke of
Fine Gael who raised the matter of the promotion of so-called alcohol shot packs by an English
firm. They are targeted at young people and have an 80% alcohol content. Young people are
also targeted with Bullseye Baggies. Despite MEAS, a ridiculous cover group, the drinks industry
is targeting young people and using sporting events. Given yesterday’s debate on the Broadcasting
Bill 2008, we should take our courage in our hands and ban alcohol advertising on
the airwaves.
Senator Ro´ na´n Mullen: Hear, hear.
Senator David Norris: We did so in respect of smoking, another health problem, and should
be able to do so in this regard. If necessary, we could estimate compensation for small and
independent stations for lost revenue.
The situation on the M1 was dreadful. I also understand that a young woman may have been
killed in a tragic accident on Parnell Street. Despite Mr. Frank McDonald’s comments in The
Irish Times, some of these problems will be alleviated by metro north.
I will not attempt to engage in a debate with the Cathaoirleach, the Leader or Senator Regan
on the Lisbon treaty. Were it true that the treaty advocates, endorses or promotes same sex
marriages, I would vote for it. However, it is not true and the people on that side who maintain
that the treaty is a liberal charter are wrong. For this reason, I will vote against the treaty.