David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

Sometimes the Seanad is accused of being a talking shop, but this can be very valuable. I ask for a general debate on the state of the nation and, indeed, the planet. It seems there is a significant and worrying lack of vision. In this country we are becoming a divided community. There is also division among the nations of Europe and globally and there do not seem to be many with an encompassing global vision. I am worried because several years ago in this House I said I believed financial and climatic problems were going to produce circumstances where catastrophic events would become more frequent, occur closer together and be more disastrous. Regrettably, these words are coming true, both in the world of finance and in terms of climate change, as today's weather conditions show, although mercifully the threat to Cork has not materialised.

When I speak of a lack of vision, I am thinking of the tragic replication of the problems faced by the country during the Famine when needless suffering and tragedy was caused by the imposition of economic theories from the centre. These theories were mistaken and caused disaster. We have the same situation, with the IMF admitting that it was wrong. It is like the 18th century when doctors bled their aristocratic patients by applying leeches to them because they thought it would cure their sickness, but it actually killed them. We have the same situation where economic theories are applied and it is then admitted that they are mistaken. What is being done to rectify this? The consequences are not negligible but real, in human terms. As an Irishman, let alone as an elected representative, I am horrified and ashamed to find food poverty is at a level of 10% in this country. I am horrified that a professional man has to steal ¤58 worth of groceries to feed his children; that a garda sergeant's wife says she does not have enough money to feed her children properly and that they have cornflakes days. This is shocking in the 21st century, especially when there is so much money and wealth. It is a question of having the vision to put people first, to look at and reorganise financial structures in the interests of the people in order that we will no longer feel shame at the level of food poverty in this country.

I agree with Senator Ivana Bacik in her comments on the report on St. Patrick's Institution. The Ombudsman for Children, Ms Emily Logan, a wonderful civil servant who has done us proud in standing up for the rights of children, was mocked and derided by officials, right up to the level of Secretary General in the Department of Justice and Equality. That is frightful and the matter must be examined thoroughly. We must all work together to protect the rights of children.

We will have an opportunity to speak on the issue of mortgages later. If the Seanad ever wished to show it has relevance, it will be able to do so today when a new Senator with a brilliant academic record brings forward legislation. I know from experience how difficult it is to formulate legislation. He is doing what many other colleagues have done in the past, including Senators Ronán Mullen and Fergal Quinn and former Senator Joe O'Toole, and providing a wonderful opportunity for the House. He is adapting ideas from elsewhere in Europe and history in the interests of the people to alleviate a crippling problem. We can be proud of this. Let us make ourselves proud by having a global debate and showing that in this House we can give a lead and show vision.