David Norris (Independent)

I support Senator Frances Fitzgerald's call for a debate on the cutbacks in the Combat Poverty Agency and others. I have been raising this for the past three weeks. It is clear no savings will be made with these cuts. It is just an attempt to muzzle the voice of the disadvantaged and a very cynical action, as is the Government's decision to reopen the question of extraordinary rendition at this stage. The Government claims it will discuss the matter with the incoming US Administration. It was not too keen on it when Bush was in saddle.