David Norris (Independent)

I would like clarification from the Leader on why the House met at 2 p.m. today. I ask that question given the tradition of this House to meet at fairly regular times which, in turn, makes it so much easier to plan one's diary long term. Previously, the House has met at 10.30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12 noon, 2 p.m. and 2.30 p.m. Today, the House met at 2 p.m., a half hour earlier than usual. The Leader has complained with me to the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs, of which we are both members, that there is an unusual conjunction in that it and the Seanad tend to meet at the same time. That committee met at 2 p.m. today. I do not mean any discourtesy to the Leader, whose response I will read later with great interest, or to the Cathaoirleach, but when I have asked this question I will attend the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs which is discussing the Geneva Convention, an important matter.

I support the call for a debate on Northern Ireland. Senator Dardis said matters are delicate. Matters are delicate but the principal participants are not all that delicate. I would not describe Ian Paisley or Danny Morrison as particularly delicate and I do not believe they would be affected by what is said in this House. It is about time we did say something on the matter.