David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I welcome the Minister of State to the House. I listened with attention and interest to the excellent speeches of all Members who contributed, which is not to say that I agreed with them.

I propose to be a little bit of a spoilsport. While I endorse every item of praise which has, rightly, been heaped on Special Olympics and honour the three representatives who are in the Visitors Gallery, one of whom is an athlete, I cannot agree with Senator Marc MacSharry who respects and appreciates the spirit of the Labour Party motion. I certainly do not. Phrases like "notes the commitment" and "commends this that and the other" represent piggy-backing on the wonderful work Special Olympics has done. It is an effort to collect the praise. As with the referendum to abolish the Seanad, the intention is to create a smokescreen to hide misdoings. I phoned the Seanad office at 7.30 p.m. last night to find out if there was an amendment down. If there was not, I would have tabled one to delete everything after the words "That Seanad Éireann" and to criticise the Government for its cutbacks.

How can Members possibly refer to the wonderful summer games and commend the Government? That is trying to take the credit and they are not entitled to it. It is a wonderful organisation. In 2003 there were 7,000 athletes and 30,000 volunteers. Towns all over Ireland were twinned and nearly 200 provided hospitality. It was superb and Government Members are not entitled to claim credit for it, which is what they are doing in the motion. That is why I will vote against it. Self-praise is no praise.