David Norris (Independent)

I am grateful to my colleague, friend and former academic colleague in Trinity College for giving me some of his time. I was happy for him to speak first because I have spoken many times on this very important subject in the House. On a number of occasions, I have used it for my Private Members' time. The Acting Chairman will recall that after the Seanad elections in 2007, I tabled the recommendations of the all-party committee chaired by former Leader of the House, then Senator Mary O'Rourke. I called a vote on it, but it was voted down. That showed the absurdity of this Chamber and I regret that. We must take it seriously this time, because now it is either sink or swim. We need to take these matters with real seriousness and not make them into any kind of political football. There is blame on all sides. Nobody is excused. No Government has previously taken this Seanad seriously.

On the opening day of the Seanad I commended the Taoiseach for his extraordinarily imaginative choice of 11 Senators. They have shown that such an accommodation was justified by forming a specific group which is independent. That indicates that they will be vigorous, and I welcome that.

Senator Barrett made a reference to the North of Ireland. It is possibly not the most diplomatic thing to single out anybody when the North of Ireland is mentioned, but it is an interesting development to have Dr. Martin McAleese present in the House. I do not speak of him very often. Women often object to being described as being the wife of somebody, and I am not going to insult Senator McAleese in that way, because I know well of the extraordinary work that he has done on behalf of this country, at some risk to himself of obloquy in the press and perhaps even personal physical danger. It is welcome that we have a voice for the North in this House. We have had them before. I remember Gordon Wilson, who was a remarkable contributor to this House, and John Robb, and long may that continue. We have leaders from various groups, including the arts, human rights groups and so on, so we have the opportunity, capacity, intelligence and membership to do the job in here. This time we need to do it.

I am very glad that a suggestion I have made in this area has been agreed, which is that we will not vote on this in any divisive way. Perhaps the Leader will indicate if it is correct that my proposal has been accepted that we add the Government's amendment to the motion. It does not seem to conflict in any way with the motion.