David Norris (Independent)

I am not certain whether my colleague and friend, Senator Quinn, meant to say "good" when I was talking about the driving out of the small shops. Perhaps he did because Members know his theme is that the customer is always right.

I greatly regret that Ireland still is a customer for Israeli arms and expressed considerable concerns in this regard on an Adjournment matter. I seek a debate on the arms trade in general in light of articles that recently have appeared indicating the European Union intends to buy substantial quantities or many millions of arms from the Israeli companies that devised, facilitated, produced and operated the drones that were used in the murders of civilians in Gaza.

Finally, I refer to the issue of human rights. I am sure the Leader will agree it is very sad that, in the aftermath of the President's successful visit to China, a Tibetan environmental activist has been sentenced to 15 years for doing nothing other than standing up for the environment. I hope these matters will be raised with the Chinese Government which is continuing a programme of oppressive imperialism in Tibet.