Order of Business - 9th July 2008

Order of Business - 9th July 2008
Senator David Norris: I agree with the remarks made earlier by Senator Fitzgerald and others
in regard to today’s Order of Business, although I accept this is not entirely the Leader’s fault.
However, it would be useful if he took a stronger position on this issue. Today we are in the
rather farcical situation of discussing amendments which we know have no earthly chance of
being accepted by Government. This seriously undermines our constitutional function as the
second Chamber of the Oireachtas, which is lamentable. Would it be possible to secure from
Government a commitment that it will underwrite our constitutional position? I have no doubt
but that this is a breach of the Constitution. We are required to scrutinise and amend legislation
and are being prevented from doing so by the exigency of Government policies.
I have just returned from the airport where I met quite a number of unhappy people, some
of whom had spent the entire night there. I do not often agree with Michael O’Leary but am
forced to do so on this occasion. There is no backup system. There is no fail-safe. That is
perfectly obvious. The delays are unconscionable. Questions must be asked about
the fact that \116 million was spent on acquiring this apparently sophisticated
up-to-the-minute system for radar control from a French company. The company
has let us down badly. There should be a fail-safe system but there is not. Mr. O’Leary is
probably right in saying there will be a further backup in flights later this morning, with people
being delayed and flights being cancelled. People have missed international connections and
they will not be compensated. This has happened to me. The passenger, it seems, is almost
always wrong.
I thank the Leader warmly for his support for the suggestion that the Abbey Theatre be
relocated to O’Connell Street——
Senator Mary M. White: Hear, hear.
Senator David Norris: ——and probably to the GPO, which is a historic and iconic building
and one of the finest works of classical architecture from the early 19th century in the city. I
have received messages of support from some of the leading figures in the Irish theatre world
and from some iconic names known from the events of 1916. I have also received support from
groups of architects and from people representing businesses in the city centre. The matter is
not closed. I look forward to meeting with the Leader and with other representatives in this
area. It is important that instead of dismissing our national theatre out to some financial suburb
down on the docks we should have it right in the centre of the city where it is accessible by
metro, Luas, bus, bicycle and car and on foot.
Senator Terry Leyden: I acknowledge a letter I received from the Cathaoirleach this morning
about the redevelopment of Leinster House. I welcome the fact that this project has been
postponed for at least 12 months and, it is to be hoped, longer. In light of the current circumstances
of financial difficulty——
Senator Jerry Buttimer: The Senator means cutbacks.
Senator Terry Leyden: ——the last place we should be spending money is here in Leinster
House.
Senator Dominic Hannigan: The ceiling is falling in on the Senator now.
Senator Terry Leyden: We have to give a——
A Senator: The money is being spent because it is not safe.
Senator David Norris: We are going to be decanted. What a wonderful word.
An Cathaoirleach: We circulated that letter to all Members. It is a health and safety matter
and one for the board of works, and that takes priority at any time.
Senator Terry Leyden: The building has been postponed——
An Cathaoirleach: Does the Senator have a question for the Leader?