Order of Business - 24th March 2010

Order of Business - 24th March 2010
Senator David Norris: I welcome the Cabinet reshuffle. I am glad Deputy Connick who was excellent on “Operation Transformation” has been appointed Minister of State. More important from my point of view as one of the people who campaigned against interference in so many of the organisations which support vulnerable people in society — I particularly deplore the manner in which the Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform chose to treat equality issues — is the transfer of responsibility for equality issues to Deputy Pat Carey, a fine, honourable and decent man. I am glad the issue of equality has been separated from the Department of Justice and Law Reform.


Senator Joe O’Toole: Hear, hear.


Senator David Norris: I believe the Green Party, which supported us in this, has achieved a success in terms of our fight in this regard with Government. I welcome this development and I am, as a Member of this side of the House, happy to say that.

I am interested in human rights as are many Members. There are fine contributors on this issue on both sides of the House. For that reason, I am sure Members will be as interested as I in seeking a debate in which to include the very significant development concerning Google and its battle with the Chinese authorities.


Senator Joe O’Toole: Hear, hear.


Senator David Norris: It has shown great courage removing its operation from China. I hope it will be successful in transferring to Hong Kong. The significant issues in this regard are Tibet, human rights, Tiananmen Square and the Falun Gong. I learned yesterday in a meeting with Senator O’Toole and Dongxue Dai that the process of murdering people to harvest their organs is probably continuing within China, an issue we need to address.

I agree 100% with Senator O’Toole’ s remarks with regard to the situation at Anglo Irish Bank. I honour Senator O’Toole for saying that he was not looking for a head on a plate and was not interested in names but wanted to know the process by which these decisions were arrived at. I heard part of the interview with Alan Dukes, namely, that there had been a 7.5% cull of staff at Anglo Irish Bank. People will ask about promotions taking place when there is a ban on recruitment.


An Leas-Chathaoirleach: Does Senator Norris have a question for the Leader?


Senator David Norris: I am looking for a debate on this issue and in particular on Anglo Irish Bank. I will say something on the matter today during the debate on the Finance Bill. However, this is one of the banks that were one of the principal causes of the financial disaster. People who are on the streets, have lost their homes, are unemployed and affected by the Passport Office strike and the chaos that reigns——


An Leas-Chathaoirleach: Those issues can be raised during the debate.


Senator David Norris: ——look at people in Anglo Irish Bank and ask whether they should be rewarded. I do not believe so.