David Norris (Independent)

Given that No. 13, motion 2 in the names of the Independent Senators is concerned with the regrettable state of many hostels in terms of health and safety, could Seanad Éireann take note of the report on safety and fire issues that has been discussed widely this morning? Some hostels have no fire escapes. I have repeatedly stated it is a tragedy waiting to happen. I welcome that there was some action, but it is not enough.

I add my voice to those calling for the release of Íngrid Betancourt, a matter I raised previously. Such issues ebb and flow and I welcome the occasion to raise the matter. She is an innocent, decent and politically motivated woman. Apart from anything else, the Interparliamentary Union is committed to supporting parliamentarians in these types of difficult circumstances. We know that the people in question are moved around and sometimes tortured and killed. Íngrid Betancourt has been in captivity illegally for a long time.

I support Senator Alex White's call for a debate on immigration and integration. I feel offended when I hear the prayer everyday, as it is absurd of the House to invoke the name of Jesus Christ and state: "every word and work of ours may always begin from thee and by thee be happily ended through Christ". This is a farce. Did Jesus Christ instruct the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform to issue orders for the deportation to Lagos of a 19 year old Nigerian girl without any means of support? Did Jesus Christ initiate and happily end the situation of the autistic boy who was similarly sent back to Nigeria? I voice my antagonism to the prayer, not because I object to proper religious ritual — I am a regular churchgoer — but the House's ritual is empty in the absence of real meaning.

We invoke the Christian notion in the Constitution, a legally valid concept. In a case I took, the Government argued successfully that I could not win because of the inclusion of the idea of Christianity in the Constitution. Where was that notion when the rights of those young people were being systematically violated? It is extraordinary. I approve strongly the idea of prayer but not when it is mere empty ritual and formula. If we believe these things, let us implement them properly.