David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I have pointed out on a number of occasions the way in which business in the House is unravelling. On the commencement of the Order of Business, 12 Senators were present, although the figure has since increased to approximately 15. There is not much point in trying to do something before the election, but we should address the issue after the election. I note that No. 3, the Government's Privacy Bill, appears to have moved up the Order Paper. Does this indicate a serious intention on the part of the Government to address the issue of privacy? I would very much welcome if we took this practical step.

I concur with Senator Landy's comments on the National Library, which is an issue I have been raising for some time. Having made a deposit of papers with the National Library, I am naturally concerned about the way in which they are conserved. I spoke at a meeting on Molesworth Street last week to discuss the National Archives when the matter was still a cause of great concern. The announcement that €10 million will be made available to the National Library sends out a very good signal and I express my gratitude for it. While I am not sure it was made entirely as a result of the intervention of Senators, we can take a small bow for having been part of the process. We may not have been entirely responsible but we were certainly partly responsible.