Order of Business - 8th November 2007

Order of Business - 8th November 2007

This is the 20th anniversary of the outrage at Enniskillen, which led to pressure being placed on the Provisional IRA to cease its actions. I was newly elected at the time and I remember how Mr. John Robb went to the desk of the then Cathaoirleach, Mr. Charles McDonald, and gave him the poppy he was wearing, which the Cathaoirleach then wore for the day. It was a moving gesture. We remember the horror of the day and welcome the fact that the situation has ended.
I welcome the calls for Seanad reform. I laughed cynically because I have heard such calls for the 20 years in which I have been a Member. I made many calls and suggestions, but they disappeared into thin air. Let us not hear about rotten boroughs because none of the nominating bodies have influence. The majority of Senators are nominated by the Taoiseach or put in by a handful of councillors and parliamentarians. That is fine, but there is a constant diversionary attack on the only constituencies with real constituents. We are described as rotten boroughs, but I will not accept that.

Senator Fidelma Healy Eames: Councillors are-----

An Cathaoirleach: We can discuss this matter later.

Senator David Norris: We will return such attacks four fold. If one wishes to know how enthusiastic Members are for reform, one should examine the record of some weeks ago when a report I tabled was voted against by Government Senators. We have a role to play in these matters and we can use our powers, such as they are.
Yesterday, I raised the matter of former Senator Maurice Manning’s statement to the effect that the Government attempted to interfere with his report on rendition and to put him under pressure, angering him. Will the House exercise its facility to invite Dr. Manning to present the report and to allow Members to question him?

Senator Mary M. White: Hear, hear.

Senator David Norris: Our inquiry was set up, but it was crippled and destroyed at the instigation of the Government. Let us have the matter out in the open and let us use our facilities to bring Dr. Manning before the House.
I am proud that Trinity College is one of the 60 top universities in the world and I congratulate Dublin City University on getting into the top 200 for the first time. As an almost brand new university, this is a wonderful tribute to Ireland’s third level system.

An Cathaoirleach: The Senator has made his point.

Senator Joe O’Toole: The Senator believed it was the best in the world.

Senator David Norris: It is only dawning on me.