David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Unfortunately I was delayed at a Senate CPP meeting and I had a matter down about inviting the Dalai Lama. I gather it was decided not to go ahead with that. I must accept that, of course, but I believe that was because of the financial arrangements between the People's Republic of China and this country, and the sensitivities arising from that. In my discussions with the Dalai Lama's representative in London, Mr. Thubten Samdup, he made it absolutely clear to me that the Dalai Lama would not wish in any sense to cause difficulties and if there was controversy, he would not wish to come. That shows an admirable sensitivity, but personally I find it appalling that a man of peace should not be welcome, and this is happening all over the world. The UN had a meeting of world religious leaders, and the atheist Chinese Government managed to prevent the Dalai Lama being there. I think that is this country's loss.

Some years ago the Green Party proposed to Dublin City Council to grant honorary citizenship of Dublin to the Dalai Lama, and some of the other parties got into a snit about it, because they thought it should have been them who did it, so the motion was defeated on a technicality. They have no idea of the visionary power of this man and the importance of his message. I want to put it clearly on the record that it was indicated strongly to me that if there was any difficulty, he would not want to complicate the situation, either for Ireland or for China. That shows the calibre of the man and it is a reproach to this committee for its lack of vision.