David Norris (Independent)

It would be shameful to pursue this family into bankruptcy. The fact that Members on all sides have made this point should give the Government pause to consider.

This is part of an increasing trend towards autocratic and non-accountable Government, as evidenced by the new immigration Bill, which should be called the ease of deportation Bill because, although it contains some useful measures, it does not live up to the promise clearly given in the programme for Government that there would be access to the courts for all and a system of independent arbitration. I look forward to a debate on this matter.

Will the Leader also request information on the status of the national marine conservation and educational centre? I have on record from 2005 the ecstatic welcome given by the Minister of State, Deputy Trevor Sargent, the then leader of the Green Party, because €2 million in funding was to be made available for this remarkable project, which would be valuable in terms of tourism as well as wildlife conservation. Yet, I understand, one element has not signed up to the contract so the funding is in danger of being lost. People like Brendan Price are once again putting their homes on the line to make up this deficiency. The issue needs to be examined.

With regard to the Government's legislative programme, I note that despite everything that has been said, the civil partnership Bill comes under the heading "Bills in respect of which heads have yet to be approved by Government". We have been fobbed off again. We were told the heads of the Bill had been prepared but nothing has been done. Why do we not, for example, take the Bill on this issue that was drafted by Senator Bacik and I and let the Government amend it? It is clear it will do damn all.