David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have only been here for the past 50 minutes and will have to go because I am involved in the Bill going through the Seanad in Private Members' time. The members of the delegation are extremely welcome, as I am sure they have been made feel. The answers I heard were very clear and succinct, and what they have said to us is valuable.

I am slightly concerned by the fact that this is the third meeting in a row that has concentrated entirely on economic matters. Although they are important, we must balance them with human rights, because it is my interest, I suppose. There is an interplay which is sometimes very positive but sometimes very negative. For example, I gather the Government has again dismissed the international report on extraordinary rendition as not having any relevance for Ireland. This report clearly implicates Ireland. I remember statements being made that this would affect trade. I did not believe it at the time but I am putting that in context principally for the benefit of fellow members of the committee so that we can continue to have some degree of focus on human rights. This is not in any sense to minimise the delegation's contribution, which is extremely valuable, particularly in this economic situation.

I wish to express my admiration for the British Irish Chamber of Commerce because to grow tenfold in two years is quite extraordinary. The financial figures quoted by the delegation are remarkable. What surprises me is that it is only two years old. I would have thought the economic, cultural and political ties between these two islands were so close that it would have been a natural thing. I am glad this group has been formed.

I would not bat an eyelid over the remarks made by the chief executive of the retailer Iceland. It is exactly the kind of thing that is said off the cuff. Who cares? The man is a nincompoop. Albert Reynolds said the same kind of thing when he said "This is women now," for which he was lambasted. It does not bother me as a patriotic Irishman.