David Norris (Independent)

I have a question for the Leader. Why are we not having a proper debate on the convention? Why is this House being treated with gross disrespect? Why is the Constitution being flouted? Why are we making a farce of the convention? Why are members being gagged? The Chair has it in his power as Cathaoirleach to ensure this does not happen. Why has the Chair apparently done nothing? Only spokespersons will be allowed to open their mouths on this issue. This is an issue that concerns the future of this House. The establishment of a convention which we were supposed to take seriously is clearly being exposed as nothing other than a gimmick. Every so often additional little bits are tossed into it to get them conveniently out of the way. I am a democrat and I know there are democrats on the other side of the House. That is what the Government is afraid of. It is afraid of an outbreak of democracy on the Government side.