David Norris (Independent)

I welcome the Minister of State but I also pay tribute to Senator Labhrás Ó Murchú. There is no question or doubt that he has been a sterling and valuable champion of human rights, and not always in the easiest times. He certainly did put his head above the parapet.

As regards the question of the Government's adamant refusal to include human rights in this legislation, that is less and less surprising. I do not accuse the Minister of State but there is no question that there are elements within the present Government which are strongly inimical to human rights, or at least they regard them as little royal perks, so to speak, which they might legally deign to dole out to deserving recipients. That is not my understanding of human rights but this view is clearly held within certain sections of Government and the Civil Service, and I absolutely deplore it. I know there are people on the other side of the House who feel the same way.

As for the specific amendment, I have no great difficulty with it, but I want to make one little point. I do not expect the Minister of State to go back to the other House and create a big rí rá agus ruaille buaille. I wish the record could show the wonderful expression on the face of the Cathaoirleach at that point, because he expressed the horror, I believe, that we might all feel. The legislation provides that the name and number of the charitable organisation must be displayed. How visible must they be? I remember some elections ago when the late Deputy Liam Lawlor was around. He was in the same constituency as the late Deputy Brian Lenihan, the former Minister for Foreign Affairs. The Minister of State will probably know what I am referring to. Vans went around saying, "Vote No. 1 Lawlor" in very big letters and then there was a tiny little thing, similar to a telephone number or a spot, which said "Also Brian Lenihan". That met the requirements but no one could see it.