David Norris (Independent)

I would welcome a debate on the decision made by University College Cork, which has behaved extremely responsibly. It did not pre-empt legislation in this area because such legislation does not exist, despite the efforts of my colleague, former Senator Mary Henry, who produced a Bill in this regard that was not adopted by the Government. University College Cork did not pre-empt anything and has not pre-empted a Supreme Court decision. Were a case to come before the Supreme Court, there is nothing to prevent it from making a decision. Faced with a vacuum in the law, University College Cork did the honest, decent and courageous thing by implementing a regime whereby the free range that existed previously now is properly addressed and tabulated. I have no problem with a debate although I will be on the other side to my good friend, Senator Mullen. However, I applaud University College Cork.

Senator Alex White referred to a serious economic commentator and there may be such — I do not know. However, the significant point is that no one, whether a serious economic commentator or otherwise, has managed to suggest a clear vision of the way out of this mess. That is significant. I agree with what I understand to have been Senator Harris's intention in stating the situation now is so dangerous that it is time to consider a national Government, using the talents of the various parties, in order that everyone will pull together if, as Ministers have asserted, the position is so serious.