Order of Business - 1st July 2008

Order of Business - 1st July 2008

Senator David Norris: I would welcome a debate on the economy and I share the concern expressed by colleagues, in particular with regard to the response of the Government to what is a critical economic situation, which appears to be to license every possible form of gambling, including casinos, which would not give one much encouragement.
I hope to take the opportunity to speak on Zimbabwe so I will not refer to it now except to repeat what I said in a previous intervention, namely, that President Mugabe was actually cheered out of the O'Reilly Hall when he attacked gay people, which was very regrettable.
On that subject, I am sorry that owing to a health problem I was not able to be in the House last week to mention the Government's proposed civil partnerships Bill. What is the timescale for this legislation? I will not be going into paroxysms of forelock-touching gratitude for an improvement in my second class status, which is what it is and nothing else. This is in defiance of the republican principles that are so often prated about in this House and in defiance of the very clear words of the former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern.
On foot of this, I asked the appropriate authorities in this House if I could pass on pension rights to my partner. The answer was "No". That is the degree of equality we have. While I welcome that some of these matters will be addressed in the civil partnerships Bill, it is second class citizenship. The Minister's office contacted me subsequently and I understand a number of these matters will be dealt with under separate headings in the Finance Bill and the Social Welfare Bill. I am not sure this is the best way but I will consider it and it will probably have my support.
Nothing would be more likely or calculated to drive me into the arms of the Minister, Deputy Dermot Ahern, than the opposition of people such as Senator Walsh on the Government side, and, regrettably, some on my own side.
An Cathaoirleach: Please, Senator. This is the Order of Business.
Senator David Norris: I must say this. I feel very angry, hurt, upset and disgusted by the mean-minded attempts by a small rump around here to drain every little atom of celebration, affirmation and joy from these proceedings. Those people are usually the ones who go on about being Christian. I deplore this. It makes me ashamed that there should be such mean-mindedness in this House.
An Cathaoirleach: Senator-----
Senator David Norris: If there is a real concern about marriage, I will sign up to anything. Where do Senators think I came out of? I came out of a long, good and happy marriage.
An Cathaoirleach: The point has been made.
Senator David Norris: I will support marriage and everything in terms of civil partnership and civil marriage for gay people. Members should ask that grandmother, Mrs. Gill, in the heartland of this country whether she is supporting marriage or attacking it. I know who is attacking marriage in this country. It is the people who do not know when they are well off, how to support marriage or how to be generous.