Order of Business - 16th June 2009

Order of Business - 16th June 2009
Senator David Norris: I wish my colleagues a very happy Bloomsday and thank the Government, particularly the Department of Arts, Sport and Tourism, the Minister, Deputy Cullen, and the Minister of State, Deputy Mansergh, for their continued support of the James Joyce Centre. We have had visitors from all over the world. Russia’s leading composer was there last week. This week there was a visit by one of the leading experts on the application of stem cell technology to the treatment of leukaemia. We are particularly pleased that in this difficult time of recession we have increased our footfall at the Joyce Centre. It is a really remarkable tribute to the centre.
I opened a bridge at lunchtime today and I looked around the Irish Financial Services Centre. It is very reassuring to see the activity and the energy down there. It made me think that the Celtic tiger is not a mirage. However, sometimes democracy is. This by-election is not an election, it is a farce. Commentators are talking about it on the radio as we speak and are asking whether the Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, will give a seat to the Green Party. We all know what is going on. It is a ready-up. There are fewer than 1,000 voters. Be frank and admit it. It is a rotten borough and do not let anybody give us a lecture about democracy.

An Cathaoirleach: Questions to the Leader.

Senator David Norris: Let the newspapers take note. With regard to the Lisbon treaty referendum, bring on the discussion. I would like a straight answer this time about armaments, not abortion or conscription. What is the status of the European armaments group? I would like to be able to campaign for the Lisbon treaty but if I do not get an honest answer this time, I will be out again against it.