David Norris (Independent) | Oireachtas source

I congratulate our colleague, Senator Barrett, on his performance on the "News at One". The outline he gave of the current status of the banking inquiry was extremely enlightening for listeners. I am glad he drew a parallel between the possible amendment of the report by the sub-committee and the very numerous amendments that are carried through by this House. He has helped the public to understand the work we do, which is very often unregarded, unnoticed and unremarked on in the media.

I was sad to hear of the bankruptcy of Sir Anthony O'Reilly, who is a remarkable man.He was a great rugby player for this country. He went on to administer the Heinz corporation in America, an enormous multinational, which made him very wealthy and very famous in the United States of America, but he did not forget Ireland. He started the Ireland Fund, which has done an enormous amount of good. He also attempted to rescue Waterford Crystal, one of the iconic industries in this country. It very sad that a major figure like this, approaching the end of his days, as I and at least one of my other colleagues are, is in this position. I am sure he will be protected to a certain extent by his wife's wealth but it is still very sad to see a public figure like this brought down by financial circumstances.