David Norris (Independent)

I note that exception was taken to the use of the word "asylum". An asylum is a place of refuge and we should remind ourselves that we are in such a place. We are very privileged to be Members of this House and we are insulated, especially from the weather which obtains outside at present. We should consider those who do not have our privileges and who are weak and vulnerable. I refer to the elderly, the homeless and the poor. It is imperative we think about the plight of these people.

I am concerned about the views expressed by some members of Fine Gael to the effect that the party intends to liquidate our utilities - beginning with Bord Gáis Éireann - when in government. We have given away the Corrib gas field. I would be interested in hearing Fine Gael's arguments in respect of this matter.

The matter of the Leader interfering with the processes of the House was raised. Did he play any role in respect of the extraordinary decision taken yesterday in the context of Standing Order 30? Will the Leader indicate if Government influence brought to bear? The decision to which I refer was very strange. What happened yesterday was similar to what occurred when I tried to raise a matter under the Standing Order 30 some years ago. At that time, I was informed that the matter in question was not one of national importance. While I was raising it, however, the then Taoiseach, the late Mr. Charles Haughey, was on his feet in the Lower House declaring a national emergency.

I wish to comment on the agreement that has been reached between financial institutions of various kinds and the Government. This is a serious matter and I appeal to the Leader to ensure the details of this arrangement are laid before the House and that Members will be given an opportunity vote on them. I am of the view that a constitutional matter is involved and last night I took legal opinion in respect of it. I am informed that the Government cannot alienate its power to decide issues. I have also been informed that:

The Government seems to be saying that it is covered by some EU Regulation and is necessitated by the obligations of our membership. However, even if it is necessitated by the obligations of membership of the EU, it couldn't be necessitated by the obligation to sign up to a bailout so that doesn't protect the government at all.

It would be a very serious matter in respect of which a person would take a constitutional action. I am considering doing so but I must weigh in the balance the fact that this might be misconstrued as an attempt to protect my own ultimate political ambitions.

I make an appeal to Deputy Rabbitte, who stated in the Lower House and in various newspaper articles-----