David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I agree with Senator Aideen Hayden on security of tenure, which is very important. I am astonished as, I suppose, an elderly man that once again in this country we are seeing evictions, but it is not just evictions of tenants. Last Friday, as I was leaving the office, I was contacted by people who were in distress. They were occupying the premises of an auctioneering company which was selling off, by private treaty, repossessed farms. I was given information which indicated that criminal damage was being caused to a property by the receiver and his agents and that the Garda had charged another party for allegedly causing criminal damage and assault in the taking of possession of the farm in Tipperary. I have photographs of a house on the property which was burned down. I have photographs of a horse which was brutally killed and had one of its hind legs removed, apparently with some kind of hacksaw. Angle grinders were used to gain entrance to the property. I am referring to a widow who lives on her own and such behaviour is not appropriate. It is a disgrace. I asked the Garda if I could enter the premises without infringing the law because, as a law-maker, I could not publicly be seen to break the law and it stated it was all right. I expressed my sympathy to the young man in charge of the office because he was just an employee, but the directors' attitude was not helpful. They just brushed past and I am told they laughed at the people in distress outside. I ask for a debate on evictions, in which we could take in the very serious points made by Senator Aideen Hayden, but we need to examine the question of evictions throughout the country because it is appalling that this is happening.
As we approach the Easter period, I would like to end with some good news. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges unanimously supported the suggestion that Pope Francis be invited to come to the House. Seanad Éireann concurred with it unanimously. I notice a report in the newspapers which states Peter Robinson, First Minister of Northern Ireland,stated: "If a Papal visit takes place it is largely a matter of what basis he is coming on. If he is coming as head of state then clearly, as with any other head of state, I could meet the Pope." That is remarkable. I cannot imagine a previous circumstance in which a member of the DUP indicated publicly that he would be prepared to meet and welcome the Pope. Although this suggestion may be progressing slowly, the Seanad has initiated it and I hope it will play some role in the process, although we should not exaggerate it. I understand there is a possibility that the Vatican Embassy will be reopened with a resident ambassador in the comparatively near future. If that is the case, we will have clear contact between the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and the Vatican. Whether one believes, or, like me, is not a member of the Roman Catholic Church, everybody would get a bounce from the presence of this remarkable, spiritual man who has a vision that encompasses not just the interests of his own flock but also the welfare of humanity as a whole.