David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It is an absolute nonsense and an insult to our intelligence. There is no cost. Speech is free in the Chamber and it is free not only in the independence of thought but it actually costs nothing. How can anybody, apart from a complete lunatic suggest that there is a cost here? This is a device to frustrate the democratic operation of Seanad Éireann and it should be resisted and if possible by legal means. I request them to include that and take the strongest amendment and do not choose a ruling on which one can be defeated. Take a case where any nincompoop can see it is an insult to reason. If we are to vote on this blasted amendment, let us vote and get on and do whatever we can with the substance of the Bill.