David Norris (Independent)

Yes. Can we have a debate on political standards and fairness? Can we also have a debate on the way in which the treaty is being handled. The Referendum Commission was not established within the proper timeframe and now its members seem to be acting as Supreme Court judges. They are not just giving information on the treaty, but are telling us what the Supreme Court would say if certain issues were raised. That is beyond its remit and commission members should know that.

We are entitled to respect for this House. I see a situation growing in which some Members and some groups in this House are, apparently, co-operating with the Taoiseach's desire to close this House down. Every time we restrict speaking and every time we refuse to be democratic, we are denying our own heritage - the thing for which we were created and for which we have a distinguished record - namely, the proper scrutiny and analysis of legislation. We are being deliberately frustrated in this. This House, as a talking shop, is being effectively shut down. I would like to see a little more respect for it.