David Norris (Independent)

I am sick of asking questions in this House. I asked a series of very detailed questions about the military aspects of the treaty — that was why I voted against it — including the European Defence Agency, coyly renamed from the Western European Armaments Group, and the redefinition of the Petersberg tasks to include intervention in a third country because of a threat of terrorism, which is what got the United States into Iraq. That is why I am worried.

I am moving an amendment to the Order of Business today because of my concerns. I want No. 27, motion 15, concerning rendition, to be taken today. It shows how we are already compromised by this Government. As we speak, aeroplane No. N54PA is on the tarmac at Shannon Airport. Commandant Ed Horgan, who was on the platform with me as the voice of the people against Lisbon for this military reason, is detained at Shannon Airport. He is not allowed to leave the airport. He has requested the Garda to search that aeroplane which was in Guantanamo on 3 June this year. Attempts are being made to remove the camera which he legally possesses and destroy the film. For that reason, and because I got no answers to any of these questions about the increasing militarisation of Europe, I am moving an amendment to the Order of Business.

I second Senator Bacik's amendment to the Order of Business. I also have spoken on the issue of Thornton Hall and consider it regrettable that it is proposed to develop a mental hospital beside the prison. I am glad to see the Roman Catholic bishops came out strongly on this issue.

Will the Leader request the Minister of State at the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs with responsibility for integration policy, Deputy Conor Lenihan, to explain to the House the situation that has arisen in respect of Integrate Ireland Language and Training Limited? This is a non-profit campus company of Trinity College which was established in co-operation with the Government to provide language skill courses to newly arrived refugees, asylum seekers and programme people. It employed 40 full-time staff and trained teachers. It has developed a programme and a website.