Maurice Hayes (Independent)

As ever, Senator Ross speaks for himself when he describes the reading habits of Members of the Oireachtas. I, too, would like to be associated with the tributes to Senator Norris, who is noteworthy not only for his scholarship but for making Joyce and his works meaningful for the ordinary person on the street. He has done a wonderful job for us all. Only in Ireland would we be celebrating the centenary of what is, if not an imaginary event, at least an imagined event.

I support Senator Mooney's request for a debate on sport on an all-Ireland basis, particularly in the light of proposals made in the North for a national stadium, which looks suspiciously like our version of the Millennium Dome and would be the biggest white elephant of all. An attempt is being made to embarrass the two truly all-Ireland sporting organisations to facilitate others which are not.

Reverting to the Bloomsday theme, it is a great day to talk about Greeks bearing gifts. I say to Senator Brian Hayes that the chairman of the National Forum on Peace of Reconciliation pro tempore is getting offside as rapidly as possible and will not be seen or available for quite some time for the type of task he has in mind.