David Norris (Independent)

I support the Government in this but we have an arbitrary, capricious and unchristian system here. Will the Government consider removing from the Constitution the provisions referring to Christianity, as it is plainly not prepared to act upon them? I have a great regard for the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Deputy McDowell, but he suggested recently it was regrettable that we must observe international human rights agendas when allowing people into the country. I am sure it was an off-the-cuff remark but, as with Donald Rumsfeld, these ideas travel downwards. The process can be very difficult sometimes. The phone system does not work. The office is open Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for a few hours. The switchboard operator will say one is wasting time trying to get through. As public representatives, is there not a special number for us to get through? There is no accountability.

Tomorrow is Bloomsday. To mark the occasion last year, a Lebanese scholar of international reputation was refused a visa to read a paper. I managed to get her into the country. I know of a situation where a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin, wants to do a degree, an extra special little exam and was refused one week——