David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I am not sure if I will bother voting on this amendment if it is called to a vote but I would like to make a few comments. I wish people would spell out what they mean by ARFs - whatever they are. I do not have the slightest idea what they are talking about.

I compliment the Minister. She comes into this House and presents very clear and cogent arguments. She often does so. I have watched her over the past half hour or so and she has clearly been on top of the brief. She spoke ex tempore for some time. Yes, she received some notes but I do not think it is courteous to refer to this. It is perfectly appropriate for a Minister to receive notes and get advice on figures or whatever the matter is. I have seen virtually every Minister in every Government availing of this. I welcome the fact that we have the expertise in the House to support the Minister in the arguments she makes. I think she makes cogent arguments even though I do not agree with them.

I will end on a further note of compliment which is completely inappropriate but I will make it anyway. I think this Minister is a very positive force and has a very difficult job. In particular, and she knows how I feel about this, she illustrates in her person the fact that Irish design is completely superb. I spoke to her a while ago about the very beautiful scarf she is wearing.

It is quite the best in the entire House. When I said it to her, I thought it came from Paris, Milan or Barcelona but it comes from Ireland.