David Norris (Independent)

I ask the Leader again to arrange a rolling debate on the economy, particularly in light of the extraordinary collapse in the value of Irish banks today. I learned a few minutes ago that share prices had fallen by 33%, which is very worrying. It appears this has happened partly on foot of concerns about the inefficient scheduling of Government business in the other House. I refer specifically to delays in passing the National Asset Management Agency Bill 2009, which are inhibiting the banks in the floating of a rights issue that would prop them up and allow them to repay badly needed moneys to the Exchequer. This is a very regrettable slur on the Houses of the Oireachtas. It feels as if we are living through the South Sea bubble all over again, which is uncomfortable and worrying. In the last few days, I heard for the first time about the existence of special purpose vehicles, or SPVs. I do not terribly like the sound of them, particularly having listened to last night's debate, in which Members of this House could not take part. I suggest that certain Senators could contribute valuably to such a discussion. I refer to Senator O'Toole, who has been heavily involved in the partnership process over the years; Senator Ross, who is an outstanding investigative journalist; and Senator Quinn, who is a major businessman. We should deal with this as much as we can.

I would also like to call for a debate on human rights. Today, at the United Nations, there will be a vote on the US-inspired blockade against the people of Cuba, which inhibits the importation of medical supplies, in particular. I salute Dr. David Hickey, who has brought this issue to the fore again. A debate on human rights would also allow us to speak about the executions of Tibetan Buddhists who protested against the Chinese occupation of Tibet. Consideration could also be given to the role of the Irish Human Rights Commission. The chairman of the commission, Maurice Manning, a former Member of this House, told a meeting of the British-Irish Parliamentary Assembly that its budget was cut by 32% last year and if the cuts continue, it will be completely unable to function. I remind the House that the commission was established as an integral part of the Belfast Agreement. It is astonishing that the Government has been able to cut its budget without any protest or discussion in either House.