David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Cathaoirleach and my colleagues for their good wishes. I hope to return full-time in the autumn.

At the beginning of the year, in January, I raised the question of a visit by His Holiness Pope Francis to Ireland. On 18 February the request was put through the Committee on Procedure and Privileges unanimously. On 19 February it went through the House unanimously and was sent to the Government. I would like to have an answer on it, or at least a partial one. I would like to see some movement by the Government. All of the churches have welcomed my call and stated it would be very good if the visit could take place. Remarkably, the leader of the DUP, Mr. Peter Robinson, has said he would meet the Pope. That would be a considerable advance in the complex structures of Northern Ireland. The attitude of the people is very positive. The Pope is a man who is not stifled by bureaucracy and whom I believe would definitely come if he received an invitation. However, we are being stymied by the attitude of the Government. The Committee on Procedure and Privileges has twice contacted it and requested an update. All it has received is an acknowledgement, which is extraordinary. It is part of the Government's arrogant attitude. The Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin raised the issue-----