David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

It just highlights that the Order of Business is becoming increasingly a nonsense. Look at us here. There are half a dozen Fine Gael and Labour Senators, an Independent and two Opposition Members. It is a complete nonsense. We experimented with it, but the time has come to review the matter again.

I strongly welcome the announcement by the Association of Catholic Priests that it will not take a position on the referendum. This is a mature, balanced and humane approach and one I wish the hierarchy would also adopt. On the other hand, they are a great advantage to the "Yes" campaign because they appear more and more like episodes of "Fr. Ted" every time they open their mouths.

I agree with what has been said about Down's syndrome. It has always seemed to me obscene that there should be a test for mild Down's syndrome and then children who are not as disadvantaged are punished for having greater talent. This is utterly wrong, undemocratic and discriminatory. Finally, with regard to Waterford Crystal, like Senator Landy I was one of those who brought this matter up regularly and I welcome what has happened, but it shows an extraordinary contrast between the way in which Waterford Glass workers are rightly treated in a situation where both the company and the pension fund went bust and Aer Lingus-----