David Norris (Independent)

I would not dream of criticising the Cathaoirleach but I am criticising the system.

May I make two final points? One can forget about the referendum as far as I am concerned. To run a referendum in this country would be an absolute waste of money and a farce. Taxpayers do not want their money wasted. If we vote against the treaty, will it be decided to hold more referenda somewhere else? It is a complete and utter nonsense.

Will the Leader inform the Government that we should consider a request for asylum on the part of a very brave man, Mordechai Vanunu, a whistleblower in the nuclear industry in Israel? His human and civil rights have been trampled on. He has suggested he would be interested in asylum but the response of the Government is that he cannot have his request considered unless he makes his request on the island of Ireland. This is a nonsense because he is not allowed out of Israel. This is one of the principal reasons for asking that he be granted asylum.