David Norris (Independent)

I join with others in saying how pleasant it is to have the Cathaoirleach back restored to full health. I reassure him that the shop was well minded by his deputies in his absence. I would not like him to think that things were out of control. He is not completely irreplaceable, except in human terms. I join with my colleagues in their views on the current difficult situation in Northern Ireland. This is where one ends up if one believes in the combined strategy of the armalite and the ballot box. It is now make your mind up time. It is either the armalite or the ballot box; people cannot have it both ways although they are attempting to do so. It is leading them into very dangerous areas. An overwhelming body of circumstantial evidence suggests there is a very serious and growing involvement by the IRA in criminality. I have been saying as much for quite a number of years and have drawn a parallel with the Mafia and Camorra, both of which began as organisations to protect the oppressed from landlords and other rapacious members of society. Gradually, they evolved into total criminality including drugs, extortion and prostitution, which we are now seeing here.

Among the most sinister things I have read was of the visit to Bulgaria to meet with crime syndicates there. What does the involvement of such people in drug and people trafficking say about the human rights aspect of Sinn Féin and IRA policy? It is very dangerous and unpleasant water to get into. I am very proud of the way the Garda unearthed this mess and I hope the Criminal Assets Bureau will be brought into the investigation. There are pubs and businesses all over Dublin which everyone knows and which were very suddenly acquired by people of unexplained wealth from very ordinary backgrounds. Everyone seems to know it is the result of IRA money but we should find out for certain by supporting CAB investigations.

It is a pity to take up entrenched attitudes. Punishment beatings are not just a republican phenomenon, but exist in the Unionist community also and are the result of inadequate policing. There must be movement on policing. It is also dangerous to take up entrenched attitudes. I have just been listening to Joe Duffy's radio programme on which a Sinn Féin supporter was asked about the current mess and recent series of incidents. The first thing he said was, "I think the British and Irish Governments are a disgrace." I do not know how he reached that conclusion from the initial starting point.

I congratulate Senator Wilson who, with others, organised a concert for the Irish homeless in London, which was most moving. I acknowledge also the involvement of Senators Mooney and Ó Murchú and many others. It would be useful to have a debate on this subject to encourage the Government to act further. When one of the centres for the homeless in London was in difficulty, the Government stepped in. It has appointed two officials from the Department of Foreign Affairs to address the matter, which is very important. In a period of prosperity, we cannot abandon those who went to England with high hopes. Perhaps they were disappointed and after working very hard could not come home as they had not been as successful as they thought they would be.

Can the House be provided with a report on the metro? We are receiving confused signals. A report would be very helpful especially in view of the difficulties being encountered, as some of us prophesied, with the Luas.