Mary O'Rourke (Fianna Fail)

Senator Ó Murchú spoke on international law and I agree with him. People might ask what is the point in discussing such matters in this House and might ask who is listening. I refer to the Skibbereen Eagle adage. However, it is important for the House to debate what are the correct principles for the world. The Senator also spoke about the Pioneer Total Abstinence Association and the vintners appearing before a committee together, as well as the need for drink and its overuse to be debated.

Senator Norris welcomed the US Supreme Court decision and mentioned the Geneva Convention, on which all rely. The Senator also spoke about Israel and Palestine. I thanked the Labour Party Senators about this earlier. The Labour Party has used its Private Members' time for this purpose, which has led to the exclusion of Senator Tuffy's motion on the petition committee. However, this is also a good cause. The Labour Party has raised the issue of Palestine and Israel on Private Members' time. I refer to No. 9, motion 19 on the Order Paper. I welcome the Labour Party's use of its Private Members' time to facilitate the debate, as the House would not have had time for it otherwise.

I forgot to note that Senator Mansergh mentioned Caligula. In fact, it was Senator Norris. Caligula put his horse into the Roman Senate, which I have always considered to be funny. I have a visual image of the horse clomping in and whinnying away each day. One should not take the analogy too far.