David Norris (Independent)

I ask the Leader to consider giving an hour, for example, next week to No. 35, a motion in the name of the Independent Senators with regard to banning landmines and cluster munitions. It is appropriate in light of the forthcoming conference. I proposed a slightly expanded version of this in the Joint Committee on Foreign Affairs and it was passed unanimously. Everyone, therefore, ought to be able to agree to it. It would take only an hour and it is something practical we could do.

In light of the fact that former Zambian President Frederick Chiluba is standing trial on charges of malfeasance and stealing $488,000 in public funds, is at the centre of attempts by the Zambian Government to recover $58 million that he and 19 other people salted away in banks throughout the world and, when president of Zambia between 1991 and 2001, routinely turned up in Iveagh House to express his gratitude and accept a cheque for development in his country, would it be possible to ascertain how much of the money, if any, paid by Irish taxpayers went into his Zambian pocket?

I accept the Cathaoirleach's ruling that my motion on the Feis Ceoil is out of order but it is astonishing the Minister for Arts, Sport and Tourism has no responsibility for one of the oldest and most internationally distinguished cultural festivals in this country. Will the Leader raise this with the Minister and find out if it is possible to get funding? It would be a disgrace if this splendid festival disappeared.

I was surprised that there was a certain amount of jocularity when the death of the eagles in Kerry was raised. This is a significant matter. If it was caused by poison, as appears might be the case, this disgraces us in the international community. We are always bleating in the House about the environment, ecology, animal welfare and so forth but last week some Members were proposing congratulations for the coursing industry. Do we really care about the welfare of animals? It is not a joking matter. We have a responsibility to the other creatures on this planet.