David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I take great pleasure in welcoming the new Senator Craughwell to Seanad Éireann. It was a remarkable victory. Mr. Craughwell, as he was then, contacted me in advance of the election and we had a very good discussion. I indicated that Independents do not normally support candidates, but that since he was an Independent, if he needed a name I would supply it. In fact, he got two nominations, so he did not need me to add my support. I am extremely glad. He is precisely the kind of person that we need in Seanad Éireann - a person of independent mind, with clear views.

I was extremely impressed by what he said. I was sitting with my ear cocked, listening to what he said to the media, and when he was asked about voting the Government out or voting it down in the Seanad, he said "vote on the issues". That is the policy of the Independent group. We are all independent of each other, we discuss policy but we do not always come to the same conclusion, and we vote as a matter of conscience. I must say I am struck by Deputy Peter Mathews's introduction in the Dáil of a formula from the Bundestag, where every single Member is allowed, and indeed required by the constitution, to vote according to their conscience. Germany has not collapsed. This shows that democracies can allow for conscience, so why not do it here? I welcome the fact that Senator Craughwell is also a teacher, like myself and Senator Barrett, who is a professor, and I think the Seanad will be strengthened.

The fact that the Government is technically in a minority is good for democracy as it means we can hold it to the principles enunciated at the time of election and we can influence it. However, we do not block, we are not destructive, we are not negative, and we wish to co-operate. I am glad to say that Senator Craughwell has so far indicated that he will be joining the Independent group, and that is another great addition. It is notable that in the three by-elections, one for Seanad Éireann and two for Dáil Éireann, neither the Government nor the Opposition managed to get a seat. That says something about the mood of the electorate, as did the march of 100,000 people through central Dublin a few days ago. We will get into that later on.

With regard to direct provision, we may be able to be of some help. I have been in consultation with some people and a Bill has been prepared. I hope to introduce it, seconded by Senator van Turnhout, in the fairly near future. That will be a test, and we will be able to see then what we can do by the passage of such progressive legislation.

This is a good day for Seanad Éireann. I welcome Senator Craughwell.