David Norris (Independent)

Having jumped the gun in mentioning Mr. Pöttering, I wish to return to my request regarding the Dalai Lama. I ask the Leader for a response to my request. I have gone through the correct etiquette in asking that an invitation issue to the Dalai Lama; I have been doing it for six weeks. The foreign affairs committee has unanimously agreed it. I wrote to Senator O'Toole and he presented my request to Committee on Procedure and Privileges. The party leaders all agree with such a request, as far as I know, and the Department of Foreign Affairs has no difficulty with it, yet I still cannot get an answer, and the gun was jumped by one of my colleagues. What are we to do? Can I have an answer to my question about the Dalai Lama?

Finally, it might be an impertinence on my part but, as the Leader knows, I am an impertinent young pup, and I wish to acknowledge the presence of a distinguished colleague from the Argentinian senate in the Distinguished Visitors Gallery. He made a major and important contribution to the debate held by parliamentarians in Buswells Hotel on the issue of landmines. The meeting was held under the auspices of the foreign affairs committee and involved representatives of the various parties. We made a number of recommendations. I hope that next week, after the passage of the treaty in Croke Park, we will have an opportunity to discuss its implications.