David Norris (Independent)

I propose an amendment to the Order of Business, namely, that we take No. 1 with discussion at the conclusion of the Order of Business.

I congratulate my good friend, Senator Paschal Mooney, who is one of the finest orators I have ever heard in this House. He lent his eloquence to the defence of human rights consistently during his previous term in the House. I take pleasure in welcoming him back.

There are some sad things happening, particularly the election of Mr. Scott Brown in Massachusetts. This is appalling when one considers that he has been elected in the heart of liberal Irish-America to replace Senator Edward Kennedy. The American people, in spite of everything they know about Iraq, have elected somebody who openly espouses waterboarding and says it is appropriate to torture people. He is not fit to be elected. The American people in that constituency have shown themselves not to be fit to carry the torch of western values. They certainly do not speak for me.

There was welcome news in the legislative programme that I received from the Department of the Taoiseach today. It lists the George Mitchell Scholarship Fund Act 1998 (Amendment) Bill. Will the Leader inform the House when this Bill will be finalised? It is an important fund. I have worked with Ms Trina Vargo, one of those involved in it, and it does much credit to the country. The Mitchell scholarships are so highly regarded that last year a potential student turned down an interview for a Rhodes scholarship to come to Ireland on one. It is the best public relations Irish universities could possibly have. The former Taoiseach, Deputy Bertie Ahern, and the Taoiseach, Deputy Brian Cowen, have said the scholarships would be supported. I am glad that after a long delay the financial measures to match funding will be put in place. I would be grateful if the Leader could give some information on the exact status of the Bill.