David Norris (Independent)

These are serious issues. We put forward the idea of the amendment to the Treaty of Amsterdam. We were given certain indications. We were told, for example, that there were only one or two pieces of information. That is wrong. A total of 34 pieces of information were given. We were told it would be hermetically sealed. The American authorities have indicated that this information is being made available to the FBI and the CIA as well. We should reopen this matter.

On a similar issue, we should have a debate on the Shell to Sea campaign. It is not appropriate that the Garda forces of this State should be enlisted in the interests of multinational corporations, particularly ones that have disgraced themselves throughout the world. It is not appropriate to have an elderly woman pushed to the ground and injured.

Finally, could we have some solidarity and respect for this House from our fellow Members? Yet again today the transport committee meets at 2.30 p.m. to coincide exactly with the Order of Business in this House. That is a gross lack of respect for this House. I have spoken to the Government side. I have had informal agreement. We should pull our members out of that committee. It cannot meet if we all show loyalty. It would be in quorate. I am dismayed by some of my fellow Senators who let us down by turning up at the committee and allowing it to function while they treat this House with absolute and total contempt. By collaborating with the committee, they are bringing this House into disrepute.