David Norris (Independent)

He has asked me to say that he really did want to pay a warm tribute to Jim Kelly and he has asked me to do that on behalf of the Independent Senators. I am extremely glad to be able to do so because he is known and greatly appreciated by all of us for his wry, laconic sense of humour, which I in particular will greatly miss. One begins to feel old when all the familiar faces start to disappear and we are left isolated on our little reef. However, we will be joining Mr. Kelly soon. Retiring is a wonderful thing. I have done it several times and it is always very good for one's health and well-being.

I wish to raise one or two other issues. The first is No. 13, motion No. 13 on Tibet, which is a rather long technical motion in the name of the Independents. I note that the President is currently in the People's Republic of China. She is being given a very effusive welcome and I know that she will acquit herself, and represent us, very well. However, it is most important that the question of China and Tibet is discussed in the House because there has been unacknowledged slippage without any reference to Parliament. This State's position is clearly that we do not recognise the aggressive incorporation of Tibet into the People's Republic of China. I do not think it appropriate that there be slippage in the area without consultation with both Houses of the Oireachtas.