David Norris (Independent)

I share the concern of my colleagues about the resignation of the governor of Mountjoy Women's Prison, Ms Kathleen McMahon, who is a remarkable woman who has done wonderful work. Senator O'Toole referred to prison overcrowding and the fact that people were put in jail for not having a television licence. Two years ago I tabled an amendment to a Bill in this House to deal with that matter but it was rejected by the Government. Why does it not act on proposals made on an all-party basis in this House in order to avoid such difficulties? I was surprised a little that in her resignation statement the governor had linked lesbianism with bullying and drug addiction. That is regrettable. I was glad that she acknowledged subsequently that she did not know much about the subject, but it is not very flattering. One could just as easily link heterosexuality with bullying and drug addiction.

Will the Leader indicate support for the application of Mr. Peter Matthews, a distinguished and accurate commentator on the economy, to be admitted as an expert witness to give evidence on least-cost solutions to the financial crisis? Mr. Matthews has written to the Joint Committee on Finance and the Public Service.

I call for a discussion on the Frontline report published today. The report was conducted by a very distinguished barrister, Mr. Brian Barrington, who, at my suggestion, briefed Members previously on the immigration Bill. He is a reputable man and a significant authority. In the Frontline report, Shell to Sea - the Corrib situation, he and some other international panels have determined that Mr. Willie Corduff was seriously assaulted, that the investigation by the Garda was not thorough and was completely unsatisfactory and that the recommendation of the Garda Síochána Ombudsman Commission, that there should be a review of police policy and practice in the area and that people from the local area should be moved to other areas because of the difficulty, was not followed through. This issue is so important that I intend to table a motion on the Order Paper seeking to have a debate on it, but I would like all-party support, at least for the discussion. Not everybody may agree with my views on it. I anticipate a refusal after my distinguished colleagues to my right and left speak - into the valley of death he strode - but we should have this discussion.