Order of Business - 4th November 2009

Order of Business - 4th November 2009
Senator David Norris: I return to a matter I raised yesterday, namely, the Corrib gas field. After I spoke yesterday, my colleague, Senator Hanafin, indicated he supported my call for a debate on the issue but argued that Shell to Sea was not correct and so forth. We also heard from another Senator on the Government benches that dangerous dissident elements were involved. The report of the planning board is very clear. An Bord Pleanála has found that up to half of Shell’s proposed route for a gas pipeline in County Mayo is unacceptable, the houses affected are in the hazard range of the pipeline should a failure occur and Ireland has not adopted proper health and safety risk thresholds. I ask for a full debate on this issue. While I fully accept that this enormous resource is extremely valuable to the people, particularly at this time, it is they, rather than a discredited multinational corporation, who should have it.
With regard to the ruling in the Supreme Court, it is important to note there were two fine dissenting judgments. This happened to me also and I was ultimately vindicated in the European Court of Justice. It is absurd that a purpose of a club is defined in the majority verdict as the wishes of the people. The purpose of the club is to play golf, as the two dissenting judges made perfectly clear. I expect this matter to be examined again.

Senator Jim Walsh: On a point of order, is it appropriate for Senators to query and question a decision of the Supreme Court?

Senator Alex White: Yes.

An Cathaoirleach: A question has been raised regarding a decision made in the courts. I am free to allow discussion on that matter, provided it is confined to that issue only.

Senator Paul Coghlan: The Cathaoirleach is correct.

Senator David Norris: I am glad to receive confirmation of where Senator Walsh stands on women’s rights, as well as gay rights.

(Interruptions).
An Cathaoirleach: The Senator’s time has concluded.

Senator David Norris: That was injury time.

(Interruptions).
An Cathaoirleach: Injury time is over.

Senator David Norris: Will the Leader ask the Minister for Defence to come before the House to explain the reason the Irish Army has been ordering defence equipment from a company which manufactured equipment used in the Gaza war which has been the subject of a war crimes complaint?